Surprised but not disappointed: This is how Dean Michael Mannhardt accepted Cardinal Reinhard Marx's resignation to Pope Francis.
He also sees this as an opportunity.
Hausham / District
- "He doesn't offend me," says the head of the parish associations Hausham-Agatharied and Miesbach-Parsberg when asked by our newspaper.
On the contrary: It is a good signal that a dignitary of the Church is not sticking to his office.
“I have great respect for him for taking this step,” says the dean.
In fact, he also adapted a bit to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
felt reminded in 2013.
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Dean Michael Mannhardt.
© Thomas Plettenberg
Mannhardt also sees the decision of the cardinal, who, by his own admission, also wants to assume joint responsibility for cases of abuse in the Catholic Church, as a sign of an increasing will to reform.
“This releases forces that must now also be used.” For Mannhardt, whether this actually happens depends not only on the person who will succeed Marx.
Also read: Dean Michael Mannhardt: "Nature is my source of strength"
The dean firmly believes that the cardinal will continue to play an important role in this process after his retirement.
Because he is no longer in office and dignity, he can move more freely and contribute his attitude in a variety of ways.
"His voice will not fall silent or lose weight," Mannhardt is convinced.
On the contrary: "It will be even more audible."
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