Joachim Wanke
German Roman Catholic bishop (1941–2026)
Joachim Wanke (4 May 1941 – 12 March 2026) was a German Roman Catholic prelate, who served as the first bishop of the Diocese of Erfurt following its re-establishment after German reunification. He led the diocese from its formation in 1994 until his retirement in 2012. He was noted for his pastoral work in East Germany and his theological contributions within the German Bishops' Conference.
Early life and education
Joachim Wanke was born on 4 May 1941 in Breslau, then in the Gau Lower Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland). His family was displaced to Ilmenau, Thuringia following World War II. He completed his secondary education before studying theology at the seminary in Erfurt.
Priesthood and academic career
Wanke was ordained a priest on 26 June 1966. He initially served as a chaplain in Dingelstädt within the Eichsfeld region. In 1969, he returned to Erfurt for doctoral and habilitation studies in theology, eventually becoming a professor of New Testament exegesis at the Philosophisch‑Theologisches Studium in Erfurt.
Episcopal ministry
In 1980, Pope John Paul II appointed Wanke as auxiliary bishop of the then Apostolic Administration of Erfurt-Meiningen with the right of succession. He was consecrated bishop on 26 November 1980 by Joachim Meisner.
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