Pope Francis Laicizes Ex-Monk Anselm Bilgri, who Married his Partner Last Year, from the Priesthood

Anselm Bilgri, ex-monk of the Andechs monastery, was laicized by Pope Francis

Pope Francis has Bilgri "punitively released from the clerical status for persisting in church division" - The Archdiocese of Munich has confirmed in response to press inquiries that Bilgri has been released from the clerical status.

The priest Anselm Bilgri was laicized by the Vatican. This was reported by the "Bild". Pope Francis dismissed the 68-year-old ex-prior of the Andechs monastery "as a punishment for persisting in the schism of the clergy". The letter goes on to say, "I urge you to return to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church."

Anselm Bilgri had “married” his longtime male friend, Markus Achter (age 40), on March 12th, 2021, the civil marriage was performed by the Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter. The partner Achter is 27 years younger than the ex-monk. Bilgri left the Roman Catholic Church in December 2020 and became a member of the Old Catholics, where he is now an honorary priest. Bilgri had already retired from the monastery in 2004.

Anselm Bilgri has been dismissed from the clergy by the Vatican. 

Sources: Kath.net,  Bild