German bishop steps down early, citing ‘psychological strain’

A German diocesan bishop stepped down Wednesday at the age of 66, citing the “psychological strain” of office. He is the latest in a string of German prelates to offer their resignations well ahead of the customary age, suggesting the burdens of episcopal office are taking an increased toll in the country.

The Holy See press office announced Aug. 19 that Pope Leo XIV had accepted the resignation of Bishop Karl-Heinz Wiesemann of Speyer, southwestern Germany.

The Vatican gave no reason for the pope’s decision to accept the resignation nine years before Wiesemann turned 75, the standard retirement age for diocesan bishops. German Catholic media described the move as a surprise.

But in a candid letter to Catholics in Speyer — one of Germany’s oldest dioceses — Wiesemann recalled that he had struggled for years with depression and said he felt unable to continue serving at “half strength.”

Wiesemann, who has led the Speyer diocese for more than 18 years, explained in the Aug. 19 letter that he recognized as early as 2019 that he needed professional help. He began