The abbot of an Austrian Cistercian monastery, the oldest of its kind in the world, has announced his intention to step down in September so that the role can be filled by a younger member of the community.
The abbey stated that after 30 years in leadership of Heiligenkreuz Abbey as abbot, prior and novice master, Abbot Maximilian Heim OCist wished to return to pastoral care and his work as a theologian. Abbot Heim also served as president of the Austrian Cistercian Congregation from 2016 to 2025.
