Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Bishop of Ghent Lode Van Hecke (75) resigned due to health; Pope Leo XIV accepted it swiftly. Vicar General Joris De Jonghe leads the Ghent diocese temporarily. Van Hecke returns to Orval Abbey.
As VRT News reported, the Bishop of Ghent, Lode Van Hecke, offered to resign on March 16, 2025, because he turned 75, as the Catholic Church requires. At that time, the Pope was sick and couldn’t respond. Now, with a new Pope, Leo XIV, the Vatican is dealing with old issues. Pope Leo XIV quickly accepted Bishop Van Hecke’s resignation, which is unusual because bishops usually stay until a new one is chosen.
Who will succeed Van Hecke as Bishop of Ghent?
Bishop Van Hecke’s health has been a worry, and he wanted to retire to rest. Pope Leo XIV accepted his resignation right away, letting him focus on his health. While a new bishop is chosen, the Vatican will appoint someone to run the Diocese of Ghent.
Van Hecke, who became bishop in 2019 and was once the abbot of Orval Abbey, is known for his thoughtful leadership. He was the first Trappist monk to become a bishop in Belgium. His departure is the end of an era for the Church in Flanders.
Bishop Van Hecke is going back to Orval Abbey after the Pope accepted his resignation. He was the abbot there before becoming Bishop of Ghent in 2019. Officials mentioned that it lets him leave his busy job and go back to a quiet life.
Joris De Jonghe, the Vicar General, will temporarily lead the Diocese of Ghent. He’ll keep things running until a new bishop is chosen. De Jonghe already helps manage the diocese. They’re looking for a new bishop, talking to church leaders and the Vatican. De Jonghe will provide stability for the Catholic community in the meantime.
