Cardinal Lehmann’s successor named
April 18, 2017
Pope Francis has named Father Peter Kohlgraf, a 50-year-old priest of the Archdiocese of Cologne, as bishop of Mainz.
Father Kohlgraf succeeds Cardinal Karl Lehmann, who served as Mainz’s bishop from 1983 until his retirement at the age of 80 in May. St. Boniface, the apostle of Germany, led the historic see in the eighth century.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1993, Father Kohlgraf holds a doctorate in theology and has served as a school chaplain and religion instructor. He is currently a professor of pastoral theology in Mainz.
Before the 2015 synod of bishops, Father Kohlgraf said that the Church should not “fixate” on annulments and should be more reserved in speaking about guilt.
“In different cultures, the Church has not only changed the outer form of theology, but theology itself has also changed with different languages and ways of thinking,” he added.
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Further information:
- Rinunce e nomine, 18.04.2017 (Holy See Press Office)
- Nicht auf Annullierungen fixieren (katholisch.de)
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Apr. 19, 2017 8:47 PM ET USA
"Father Kohlgraf said that the Church should not “fixate” on annulments and should be more reserved in speaking about guilt." As Captain Kirk said in Star Trek V, "I need my pain!" I echo his sentiment, but with a bit of a twist: "I need my guilt!" Without it, I might be tempted to "sin boldly," as the Father of the Reformers proclaimed.
