Overview

• At his farewell service in Eichstätt Cathedral, Hanke chose minimal ceremony to underscore his belief in humble pastoral service amid the church’s challenges.
• Having announced his resignation at Pentecost, the former bishop will now serve in parish ministry as Pater Gregor.
• After the service, the faithful were invited to bid him farewell in person outside the cathedral.
• Alfred Rottler will oversee the diocese as administrator until Pope Leo XIV names a permanent successor.
• Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, in office since 2008, has become Bavaria’s longest-serving active bishop.