P. Dr. Hans Langendörfer SJ Begins His Second Term as President of the KAAD

Hans Langendörfer was appointed to this office in February 2021 by the German Bishops' Conference on the recommendation of the KAAD General Assembly. He succeeded Professor Eberhard Schockenhoff, who had passed away in July 2020. Born in

Bonn in 1951, the Jesuit entered the Society of Jesus in 1972 and was ordained a priest in 1979. He earned his doctorate under Franz Böckle on ethical issues in security policy. After working as a scientific advisor in the Federal Chancellery, he was instrumental in establishing the Jesuit foyer in Bonn and the European department in the Secretariat of the German Bishops' Conference. From 1996 to 2020, he was secretary of the German Bishops' Conference and managing director of the Association of German Dioceses (VDD). During this time, he was involved in a wide range of international church collaborations and maintained intensive exchanges with churches in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

During Langendörfer's first term in office, the focus was on reviewing the content and strategic orientation of the scholarship and networking work, as well as realigning the KAAD for the future. For example, new scholarship programs were established and a new location was found for KAAD language students. In addition, preparations were made for the KAAD's name change and the relocation of its office to new premises, both of which will be completed this spring.

"Especially in times of global crisis, it becomes clear how important education, international understanding, and spiritual anchoring are. The KAAD stands for an exchange of gifts, for intercultural and academic exchange. It accompanies young people who want to take responsibility for their church and society. I would like to continue this mission in a second term of office," said Fr. Langendörfer.

Auxiliary Bishop Dr Dr Anton Losinger, Episcopal Representative for KAAD, emphasizes: "The reappointment creates reliability for the further development of KAAD's international support work. Fr. Dr. Langendörfer accompanies the work of KAAD with great experience and a broad international perspective."