On 28 April 2026, Katholisches.info reported on how Bishop Heiner Wilmer, 65, had led the Diocese of Hildesheim from 2018 to 2026, citing several recent scandals from his time there.
In February 2026, Monsignor Wilmer was elected chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference. In March 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed him as the bishop of Münster, the largest diocese in Germany by membership. His installation as Bishop of Münster is scheduled for 21 June.
Adult catechumen admission ceremony as event
On 22 February 2026, an admission ceremony for adult baptismal candidates took place in the Hildesheim seminary church.
According to eyewitnesses, the event had a distinct 'event-like' character with modern music.
First Communion celebration at table
In January 2026, a First Communion celebration was held in the village community hall in Schladen. Fifty children sat with the priest around a big meal table, while parents and siblings were seated behind them.
Plush toys, photographs, rosaries and personal keepsakes were placed on the table.
Appointment of Transvestite as Pastoral Worker
Following the completion of the pastoral services examination on 30 June 2022, a male born transvestite was appointed as a pastoral worker in the Hildesheim diocese.
Rainbow flag at Major Liturgies
At the ordination of Auxiliary Bishop Dr Martin Marahrens on 28 February 2026, a KjG flag featuring queer and transgender colours was visible during the liturgical procession.
The same flag was visible again on 1 April 2026 at the Chrism Eucharist in Hildesheim Cathedral. It was organised as a youth event attended by approximately 2,000 teenagers. Eyewitnesses also reported that young girls served as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.
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