Dr. h.c. Maximilian Aichern OSB, Bishop Emeritus of Linz, passed away on 31 January 2026 in his 94th year, strengthened by the sacraments of the Church. Born in Vienna in 1932, he entered the Benedictine Abbey of St. Lambrecht in 1954 and pursued theological studies in Salzburg and at Sant’Anselmo in Rome. Ordained to the priesthood in Subiaco in 1959, he soon took on positions of leadership within his monastic community, first as Coadjutor Abbot in 1964 and later as Abbot of St. Lambrecht and Abbot President of the Austrian Benedictine Congregation. In 1981, Pope John Paul II appointed him the 12th Bishop of Linz, a ministry he exercised with dedication until his retirement in 2005.

Bishop Maximilian quickly became known for his warm, approachable manner and his unwavering commitment to dialogue. A gifted bridge-builder, he worked tirelessly for social justice and encouraged new initiatives that touched lives well beyond Upper Austria. He was a strong advocate for lay involvement—particularly for women—in the life of the Church, and he cultivated enduring relationships with partner dioceses at home and abroad. His service extended beyond national borders as he represented the Austrian Bishops’ Conference for many years within the Italian Bishops’ Conference.

Even after retirement, Bishop Aichern remained faithful to his episcopal motto, “Serve in love.” His joyful spirit, pastoral sensitivity and deep trust in God marked his life and ministry until the very end. He often reminded the faithful never to lose the joy of being human and being Christian—a message he embodied with serene conviction. His legacy of compassion, openness and hope endures in the many communities he touched, and his life of service remains an enduring call to follow Christ with humility and love.