Citing recurrent depression, German bishop resigns at 66

August 20, 2026

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Karl-Heinz Wiesemann from the governance of the Diocese of Speyer, Germany.

The prelate, who was installed as bishop in 2008, is 66, nine years before the age at which bishops are required to submit their resignations to the Pope (Canon 401).

“As you know, five years ago I had to admit myself to a psychosomatic clinic with what medical professionals call ‘recurrent depressive disorder,’“ Bishop Wiesemann wrote in a letter to his diocese. “The immediate trigger at the time was the specific situation regarding the handling of sexual abuse cases in our diocese.”

The prelate added:

As early as 2019, I realized I needed professional help and had to begin psychotherapeutic treatment, which continues to this day. It was through this therapeutic support that the need for a hospital stay five and a half years ago became clear; that stay helped me immensely in learning to manage my condition and enabled me to resume my duties after the break.

Nevertheless, the clinic’s final report clearly states that the condition has simply not been overcome; the strain involved could still impair and jeopardize the exercise of my office.

 

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Further information:

• Resignations and Appointments (Holy See Press Office, 8/19/26)
• Karl-Heinz Wiesemann tritt überraschend mit 66 Jahren als Bischof von Speyer zurück (CNA Deutsch Nachrichtenredaktion, 8/19/26)