Bode justified his request in a statement, among other things, with the abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. There had also been allegations against him of breaches of duty when dealing with cases of sexualised violence in the diocese. So far, however, Bode had refused to resign and referred to his commitment to dealing with the scandal and eliminating the associated deficiencies.
“The decision to resign has matured in me over the past few months,” said Bode about his resignation. “I expressly acknowledge my responsibility as well as my personal mistakes,” he said in the message, which was also transmitted via video on Saturday. “Today I can only ask everyone concerned for forgiveness again.” The 72-year-old also referred to his ailing health as another reason for his resignation.
Bode was also deputy chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference. He was also in a leading position for the Catholic reform process Synodal Weg, including for a stronger role for women in the Catholic Church.
In his statement, Bode once again expressly endorsed the reforms that had been initiated. However, the further necessary perpetuation of the synodal principle in the church will “require a lot of strength that I can no longer muster myself”. In the Vatican, the reform process of the Catholic Church in Germany, which also involves more say for laypeople overall, more openness for homosexuals, for example, and also dealing with the abuse scandal, is encountering considerable resistance in some areas.
