The reason is the possession of child and youth pornographic content, as the diocese of Eichstätt announces on its website.
In October 2022, a criminal order against the man became final.
Subsequently, a preliminary investigation into church law against the clergyman, who was then resident in the district of Ansbach, was resumed in January 2023.
After completion of this investigation, the case was approached by the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, as it is called.
Leo XIV then decided on the appropriate measure after a thorough examination. The dismissal from the cleric stand represents the most serious church law punishment that can be imposed on a priest.
The former priest permanently loses all rights and duties associated with the ordination of priests, it says. He is not allowed to donate sacraments and no longer perform priestly service.
In addition, he no longer receives a salary from the diocese.
According to the communication, the state-ordered conditions and restrictions remain unaffected by the decision under church law.
The employees and the committees of the respective parish association were informed about the decision, according to the diocese.