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Pope Names Heiner Wilmer Bishop of Münster

His move concentrates influence by uniting Münster's leadership with the chair of Germany's bishops.

Overview

  • Wilmer, appointed Thursday by Pope Leo XIV, was presented in Münster’s St. Paulus Cathedral after the diocese spent nearly a year without a bishop.
  • He condemned sexual abuse in the church as something that must “never, never again” occur and pledged to make the church a safe place.
  • Most outlets report his installation for June 28, while one report lists June 18, showing a date discrepancy that still needs clarification.
  • As conference chair, he now leads Germany’s largest diocese, which counts about 1.63 million Catholics, a shift that increases his reach within the church.
  • Coverage describes him as a moderate reformer who has tested women’s leadership models and supports blessings for same‑sex couples, setting expectations for his approach in Münster.