---
title: Pope Leo XIV Appoints Freiburg Auxiliary Bishop Christian Würtz as Bishop of Eichstätt
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-freiburg-auxiliary-bishop-christian-wurtz-as-bishop-of-eichstatt
published: 2026-10-07T13:49:34+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.domradio.de/artikel/dioezese-eichstaett-hat-mit-christian-wuertz-wieder-einen-bischof
organizations: Diocese of Eichstätt, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, German Bishops' Conference
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope Leo XIV Appoints Freiburg Auxiliary Bishop Christian Würtz as Bishop of Eichstätt

Pope Leo XIV appointed Freiburg Auxiliary Bishop Christian Würtz as the 83rd Bishop of Eichstätt. The installation ceremony took place on Sunday in the fully occupied Eichstätt Cathedral. The Apostolic Nuncio in Germany, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, presented the papal appointment document to the new bishop. Würtz received the traditional symbols of office, including the pastoral staff and the Rationale, a shoulder ornament worn over the chasuble that is used in only three other European dioceses. The 55-year-old bishop holds doctorates in theology and law and serves as Germany's youngest diocesan bishop. He succeeds Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke, who resigned early.

The Diocese of Eichstätt, founded in the 8th century by the English missionary Willibald, serves more than 330,000 Catholics across 267 parishes. In his inaugural sermon, Würtz emphasized contributing to peace as urged by the Apostle Paul, inviting the community to build the Kingdom of God through prayer and active service. The ceremony was attended by approximately 180 bishops, priests, and deacons from Germany and abroad. Bamberg Archbishop Herwig Gössl presided over the Mass. The state of Bavaria was represented by Premier Markus Söder and Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann, both members of the CSU party. The German Bishops' Conference congratulated Würtz, highlighting his 20 years as a priest, seven years as an auxiliary bishop in Freiburg, and his theological expertise.

Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx welcomed him as a new member of the Freising Bishops' Conference, noting Bavaria's welcoming spirit and recommending the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. Söder affirmed that Christian-Western values provide a foundation for peace, freedom, and democracy, and pledged continued state support for the university. The newly elected chair of the Diocesan Council, Roland Schwab, expressed hope for collaborative progress under the new bishop's leadership.

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