Bishop Hanke resigns: A new chapter in pastoral care begins!

Bishop Hanke resigns: A new chapter in pastoral care begins!

The resignation of Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke, Bishop of Eichstätt, was announced on Pentecost Sunday and is at his own request. Pope Francis accepted the resignation, which was set on “nunc pro tunc”. This means that a date for the withdrawal has yet to be set. Hanke explained that his decision was the result of a lengthy spiritual struggle.

Reports from katholisch.de According to Bishop Georg Bätzing, chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, he praised Hanke's work in an official letter. Bätzing not only praised Hanke's commitment to the Commission for Marriage and Family, but also his work in the DBK's Commission for Science and Culture. Hanke, who held leadership responsibility for over 30 years, including 13 years as abbot and almost 19 years as bishop, is now planning to return to pastoral care as Father Gregor.

Hanke's contribution to the Christian community

Gregor Maria Hanke was born in 1954 in Elbersroth, Ansbach district. After studying theology and English in Eichstätt, which also included stays in London and Oxford, he entered the Benedictine Abbey of Plankstetten in 1981, where he was elected abbot in 1993. On December 2, 2006, he was ordained the 82nd Bishop of Eichstätt and at the same time took over the office of Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eichstätt (KU), which he held until February 2010 before handing it over to Reinhard Cardinal Marx.

During his tenure, Hanke was particularly committed to raising the profile of the KU's Theological Faculty. He was an active advocate for the university and his involvement also extended to environmental issues. He initiated a climate offensive for his diocese more than ten years ago. These efforts are also reflected in the KU's strategy, which has adopted sustainability as a cross-sectional task in teaching, research and campus life ku.de.

Sustainability and ecology as guiding principles

Hanke's commitment to ecology and sustainability was not only limited to his diocese, but also part of a broader church mission. The German Bishops' Conference regularly publishes materials on responsibility for creation, such as the work aids on ecology and sustainable development. These also include the report “Our commitment to the future of creation – Climate and Environmental Protection Report 2021”, which deals with the challenges of climate change. These topics can also be found in the publications of the Secretariat of the German Bishops' Conference, which provide an essential basis for the church's discourse on sustainable development dbk.de.

In his last days as bishop, Hanke reflected on the various aspects of his responsibility and now plans to support questions of faith in a pastoral room outside the diocese. His desire to work directly with people again shows his deep connection to the community.

Overall, Hanke's retirement is not only the end of a chapter, but also symbolizes a new direction in his spiritual journey. His decades of leadership and commitment to the Church and to creation will be remembered and it remains to be seen how he will carry out his tasks as a simple religious.