Stephan Burger, German Catholic archbishop

Stephan Burger, born on April 29, 1962, in the picturesque German city of Freiburg im Breisgau, is a prominent figure within the Roman Catholic Church in Germany. His dedicated journey has seen him rise to become an esteemed clergyman, committed to spiritual leadership and pastoral care within his community and beyond.

Since 2014, Stephan Burger has held the significant and influential office of Archbishop of Freiburg, serving as the spiritual leader of the Archdiocese of Freiburg, a major ecclesiastical territory in southwest Germany. In this capacity, he is also recognized as the Metropolitan Bishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Freiburg. This metropolitan role signifies that he presides over a larger grouping of several dioceses (known as suffragan dioceses), providing a degree of oversight, coordination, and leadership for the bishops within that province. He succeeded the esteemed Robert Zollitsch in this pivotal position, continuing a lineage of spiritual stewardship for the region that encompasses a substantial portion of Baden-Württemberg.

Adding a unique and remarkable dimension to his story is the close family connection within the Church hierarchy. His younger brother, Tutilo Burger, has also risen to a distinguished ecclesiastical post, having served as the Archabbot of Beuron Archabbey since 2011. An archabbey is a Benedictine monastery that holds a special, elevated status within its order, often with a rich history and significant influence, and an archabbot is its spiritual and administrative head, responsible for the welfare of the monastic community and its broader mission. This dual commitment to high office by two brothers, both at the helm of significant Catholic institutions, underscores a rare and notable family tradition of profound service within the Roman Catholic Church in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stephan Burger

Who is Stephan Burger?
Stephan Burger is a German Roman Catholic clergyman, currently serving as the Archbishop of Freiburg and Metropolitan Bishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Freiburg since 2014.
When and where was Stephan Burger born?
He was born on April 29, 1962, in Freiburg im Breisgau, a historic city in southwestern Germany.
What is the significance of being an Archbishop and a Metropolitan Bishop?
An Archbishop is the chief bishop of an archdiocese, which is a principal diocese often holding historical or regional importance. A Metropolitan Bishop is specifically the archbishop of a metropolitan see (typically the most prominent or oldest diocese in a region) and presides over an ecclesiastical province, which is a grouping of several dioceses. This role involves both spiritual leadership and administrative oversight for a larger geographical and ecclesiastical area.
Who did Stephan Burger succeed as Archbishop of Freiburg?
He succeeded Robert Zollitsch in this important office.
Does Stephan Burger have any family members in notable ecclesiastical roles?
Yes, his younger brother, Tutilo Burger, has been the Archabbot of Beuron Archabbey since 2011. This makes their family connection within the Church particularly noteworthy, with both brothers holding high-ranking positions.
What is Beuron Archabbey?
Beuron Archabbey is a significant Benedictine monastery in Germany, known for its spiritual and cultural heritage, particularly as the motherhouse of the Beuron Congregation. An Archabbot is the spiritual and administrative head of such an elevated monastic institution.