Reinhard Marx
Stored: Reinhard Marx
| His Eminence Reinhard Marx | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Munich and Freising | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Munich and Freising |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Paderborn |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 2 June 1979 by Archbishop Johannes Joachim Degenhardt |
| Consecration: | 21 September 1996 by Archbishop Johannes Joachim Degenhardt |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 20 November 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Reinhard Marx 21 September 1953 Geseke, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Germany |
| Education: | University of Bochum |
| Motto: | "Ubi Spiritus Domini, Ibi Libertas" |
| Role: | Archbishop |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Reinhard Marx, born September 21, 1953, is a German prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Munich and Freising since 2007 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Ordained a priest in 1979 for the Diocese of Paderborn and consecrated a bishop in 1996, he served as Bishop of Trier (2001–2007) and was a key adviser to Pope Francis as part of the Council of Cardinals (2013–2023). His progressive theology, reflected in his motto "Ubi Spiritus Domini, Ibi Libertas" ("Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom"), emphasizes social justice, migration, and Church reform, aligning with Francis’ vision but drawing conservative criticism for his openness to married priests and inclusivity.[1][2] Marx participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis and, at age 71, is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as one of 135 cardinal electors, with the conclave set to begin May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel.[3][4]
Marx’s influence as a “kingmaker” in the conclave stems from his leadership in the German Synodal Way and advocacy for a Church that transcends polarization, though his progressive views on migration and Church governance face resistance from conservatives like Raymond Burke.[5][6] Recent X posts highlight his call for a “courageous” and “free” pope rooted in the Gospel, but his alignment with Francis’ reforms and controversial migration stance (e.g., calling Germany an “immigration country” in 2025) limit his papal candidacy in a conclave dominated by Francis’ appointees (108 of 135 electors).[2][7] His academic background from the University of Bochum informs his social theology. As an active cardinal, Marx’s role in the 2025 conclave centers on his vote and influence, shaping the Church’s future, though his progressive stance makes him a polarizing figure.[8]
Biography
Birth and early life
Reinhard Marx was born on September 21, 1953, in Geseke, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, to a Catholic family in a post-war industrial region. Raised during Germany’s economic miracle, his vocation was inspired by the Church’s role in social reconstruction, leading him to enter the Paderborn Seminary at age 18. His family’s faith and Germany’s social challenges shaped his commitment to justice.
The Second Vatican Council’s (1962–1965) call for reform influenced Marx’s progressive outlook. Fluent in German, English, and Italian, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his theological career.[9][1]
Education
Marx studied philosophy and theology at the University of Bochum and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, earning a doctorate in theology in 1989, focusing on social ethics and liberation theology. He also trained at the Catholic University of Leuven.
His education emphasized Vatican II’s social justice teachings, equipping him to address modern challenges. Marx’s academic rigor prepared him for leadership roles.[1][10]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on June 2, 1979, by Archbishop Johannes Joachim Degenhardt for the Diocese of Paderborn, Marx served as a parish priest and professor of social ethics at the University of Paderborn (1979–1996). He was a key figure in German Catholic social initiatives during the Cold War’s end.
His priesthood focused on catechesis and social theology, navigating Germany’s reunification. Marx’s expertise earned him episcopal appointment.[9][1]
Bishop
Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Paderborn on September 21, 1996, by Archbishop Johannes Joachim Degenhardt, Marx served as Bishop of Trier (2001–2007) and Archbishop of Munich and Freising (2007–present). Elevated to cardinal in 2010 with the title Cardinal-Priest of San Corbiniano, he participated in the 2013 conclave.
Marx’s leadership in the German Synodal Way and advocacy for migration and reform have drawn progressive support but conservative criticism, notably for his 2023 Islam comments and 2025 migration stance.[7][11] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 71, he is a “kingmaker” among 135 electors, though his candidacy is limited by polarization.[3][5][12]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Paderborn | Auxiliary Bishop | 21 September 1996 | 20 December 2001 | Focused on social ethics |
| Diocese of Trier | Bishop | 20 December 2001 | 30 November 2007 | Strengthened social outreach |
| Archdiocese of Munich and Freising | Archbishop | 30 November 2007 | Present | Led Synodal Way reforms |
Significant events
- Entered Paderborn Seminary in 1971.
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Paderborn in 1979.
- Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Paderborn in 1996.
- Appointed Bishop of Trier in 2001.
- Appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 2007.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
- Participated in the 2013 conclave.
- Appointed to Council of Cardinals by Pope Francis in 2013.
- Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Marx.
Written by the bishop
- Capital: A Catholic Perspective by Reinhard Marx, ISBN 978-0809149209
External links
- Reinhard Cardinal Marx at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Reinhard Marx at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Marx’s appointment
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biography of Cardinal Reinhard Marx". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_marx.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Kardinal Reinhard Marx zufolge". CNAdeutsch. 2025-04-28. https://t.co/mI0GZiuvfW.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "18 African among Cardinals to elect new Pope". Nigerian Observer. 2025-04-24. https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/04/18-african-among-cardinals-to-elect-new-pope/.
- ↑ "Conclave to elect new pope to start on 7 May, Vatican says". The Guardian. 2025-04-28. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/28/conclave-elect-new-pope-7-may-vatican.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Cardinal Marx, considered a “kingmaker”". RichRaho. 2025-04-27. https://t.co/5TCNPFiXm4.
- ↑ "Lobbying for next pope heats up, with outcome less predictable than ever". The Guardian. 2025-04-27. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/lobbying-next-pope-heats-up-outcome-less-predictable.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Kritische Botschaft nach Berlin". zeitonline. 2025-04-08. https://t.co/uDNC4UX812.
- ↑ "Which cardinals are seen as contenders to be the next pope?". ABC News. 2025-04-21. https://abcnews.go.com/International/cardinals-contenders-pope/story?id=109483135.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Reinhard Cardinal Marx". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmarxr.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Reinhard Marx". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55628/cardinal-reinhard-marx.
- ↑ "Kardinal Reinhard Marx war". apollo_news_de. 2023-12-24. https://t.co/5Pr9LMXSl3.
- ↑ "Cardinal Marx appointed Archbishop of Munich". Vatican News. 2007-11-30. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2007-11/marx-munich.html.