Two German Bishops Resign

Bischof Joachim Wanke
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One official resignation after the other followed unexpectedly -- by reason of a "labile health situation". German Catholics should not expect reforming Bishops to be appointed by the current pontificate.

(kreuz.net)  Today Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of two German Bishops.

As of today Bishop Joachim Wanke (71) and Bishop Wilhelm Schraml (77) of Passau are on leave.

Because of poor health

Msgr. Wanke resigned his office by reason of Canon Law 401 § 2

In this case a resignation follows by reason of poor health or another serious reason.

The Bishop resigned in the former case because of a "labile health situation".

The diocese of Erfurt will be immediately directed by a provisional Diocesan Administrator.

Msgr. Wanke was first established as Bishop of Erfurt in 1994. Previously he was an Auxiliary Bishop as the former Apostolic Administrator of Erfurt-Meinigen.

Resignation because of Age

Bishop Schraml had already reached his age of resignation by 2010 -- at the completion of his 75th birthday.

Msgr Schraml was a priest of the Diocese of Regensburg. In 1996 he was named by Pope John Paul II as the Auxiliary Bishop of Regensburg.

By 2001 till today he was Bishop of Passau.

Link to kreuz.net...