Christian Würtz begins tenure as Bishop of Eichstätt

Christian Würtz officially begins his tenure as the 83rd Bishop of Eichstätt on Sunday, October 4. Würtz, the former Auxiliary Bishop of Freiburg, is 55 years old and holds doctoral degrees in law and theology, making him the youngest diocesan bishop in Germany.

The installation ceremony at the cathedral will include the presentation of the papal appointment document by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen. High-ranking clergy, including Cardinal Reinhard Marx and Bishop Herwig Gössl, are expected to attend. The event will be broadcast live by Bavarian Television.

Würtz succeeds Gregor Maria Hanke, who left the position in June 2025. The new bishop faces significant challenges within the diocese, including declining membership numbers and tightening financial constraints affecting the maintenance of church properties.