Overview

• Werner Thissen, who served as Archbishop of Hamburg from 2003 to 2014, died at the age of 86 in Hamburg, as confirmed by the Erzbistum Hamburg.
• Thissen was instrumental in advancing the Erzbistum Hamburg, initiating projects such as the renovation of St. Marien-Dom and the beatification of the Lübecker Märtyrer in 2011.
• He faced criticism for his mishandling of sexual abuse cases during his tenure at Bistum Münster, for which he publicly apologized later in life.
• Known as a 'bridge-builder,' Thissen was praised for fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting social cohesion in northern Germany's diverse communities.
• Religious and civic leaders, including Erzbischof Stefan Heße and Schleswig-Holstein Ministerpräsident Daniel Günther, have highlighted his significant impact on church development and societal unity.