Karl Braun (bishop)

The Most Reverend

Karl Heinrich Braun
Archbishop Emeritus of Bamberg
ChurchRoman Catholic Church
ArchdioceseBamberg
Appointed25 March 1995
Term ended2 July 2001
PredecessorElmar Maria Kredel
SuccessorLudwig Schick
Previous postBishop of Eichstätt (1984–1995)
Orders
Ordination10 October 1958
Consecration16 June 1984
by Joseph Stimpfle
Personal details
BornKarl-Heinz Braun
(1930-12-13) 13 December 1930
NationalityGerman
Alma materPontifical Gregorian University
Coat of arms

Karl Heinrich Braun (born 13 December 1930), also known as Karl Braun, is a German Roman Catholic prelate, who served as Bishop of Eichstätt from 1984 to 1995 and as Archbishop of Bamberg from 1995 until his resignation in 2001.[1]

Early life and education

Braun was born on 13 December 1930 in Kempten in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, Germany. He studied philosophy and Catholic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome beginning in 1952. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Augsburg on 10 October 1958 in Rome.[1]

He later earned a doctorate in canon law (Dr. iur. can.) and served in pastoral ministry and diocesan administration in Augsburg.[2]

Bishop of Eichstätt

On 17 April 1984, Braun was appointed Bishop of Eichstätt by Pope John Paul II. He was consecrated bishop on 16 June 1984 by Bishop Joseph Stimpfle.[1]

During his tenure in Eichstätt, he served as Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and supported the university's academic development.[3]

Archbishop of Bamberg

On 25 March 1995, Braun was appointed Archbishop of Bamberg by Pope John Paul II. He was installed on 28 May 1995.[1]

As archbishop, he emphasized pastoral renewal, theological education, and dialogue within the Church.[4]

On 2 July 2001, his resignation was accepted by Pope John Paul II for reasons of health.[5]

Later life

After his retirement, Braun resided in Bamberg and remained active in pastoral and theological matters within the archdiocese.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Archbishop Karl Heinrich Braun". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  2. ^ "Erzbischof em. Dr. Karl Braun". Erzbistum Bamberg (in German). Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  3. ^ "Ehrensenatorwürde für Erzbischof em. Dr. Karl Braun". Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (in German). Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  4. ^ "Bewegender Bewahrer". Donaukurier (in German). Archived from the original on 2018-11-24. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  5. ^ "Rinunce e Nomine, 02.07.2001". Holy See Press Office (in Italian). Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  6. ^ "Artikel über Erzbischof Karl Braun". Altmühl-Bote (in German). Archived from the original on 2010-01-30. Retrieved 23 February 2026.