Cardinal Reinhard Marx Resignation
In a decision that has sent shock waves through the German Catholic Church, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, 67, the archbishop of Munich and Freising, revealed that on May 21 he met Pope Francis in the Vatican and handed him his letter of resignation, with a strong plea that the pontiff accept it. He said Francis asked him to continue serving as bishop of the archdiocese until he has made a decision on his request.In a declaration issued today, Cardinal Marx said: “It is important to me to share the responsibility for the catastrophe of the sexual abuse perpetrated by representatives of the church over the past decades.”
He continued: “It was an exclusively personal decision to hand in my resignation and ask for acceptance of the same. With my resignation, I would like to make clear that I am willing to personally bear responsibility not only for any mistakes I might have made but for the church as an institution, which I have helped to shape and mould over the past decades.”
He added: “This decision is not easy for me. I like being a priest and bishop and hope that I can continue to work for the church in the future. My service for this church and the people does not end. However, to support a new beginning which is necessary, I would like to bear my share in the responsibility for past events. I believe that the ‘dead end’ we are facing at the moment can become a “turning point.” This is my paschal hope and I will continue praying and working for it to happen.”