Overview

• Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke, 70, submitted his resignation on Pentecost Sunday after citing a prolonged spiritual struggle and 'inner exhaustion'.
• Pope Francis accepted Hanke’s resignation shortly before Easter and before his own death, according to the diocese.
• Throughout his nearly 20-year tenure he confronted sexual abuse cases, disputes in university leadership, and a 2018 financial scandal.
• Hanke plans to resume frontline ministry as a simple priest known as Pater Gregor, focusing on direct pastoral care.
• By treaty between Bavaria and the Holy See, the Vatican retains exclusive authority to name Hanke’s successor, potentially leaving the diocese without a permanent bishop for months.