World’s Oldest Priest, Father Bruno Kant, Dies at 110 After a Lifetime of Faithful Service

June 6, 2026: World’s Oldest Priest, Father Bruno Kant, has passed away at the age of 110 after more than seven decades of faithful service to the Church.

His life spanned more than a century of history, marked by war, hardship, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to God. Yet those who knew him remembered not only his remarkable longevity but also his deep faith, gentle spirit, and steadfast devotion to prayer.

Born on February 26, 1916, in Werblin near Puck, then part of West Prussia and now within modern-day Poland, Father Kant's path to the priesthood was anything but ordinary. While studying philosophy and theology in Braniewo and Freiburg im Breisgau, his formation was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. He was conscripted into the Wehrmacht and later became a prisoner of war under Soviet forces.

After returning to Germany in 1948, Father Kant resumed his studies and was ordained to the priesthood in 1950 at Fulda Cathedral. From that day forward, he dedicated his life to serving God's people with remarkable fidelity and humility.

Even after his official retirement in 1991, Father Kant continued his pastoral ministry, remaining a familiar and beloved presence among the faithful. For many years, he maintained a close relationship with parishioners of St. Giles Parish in Petersberg-Marbach, where he was admired for his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.

Earlier this year, on his 110th birthday, Father Kant received numerous tributes in recognition of his extraordinary life and ministry. Among them was a personal letter from Pope Leo, expressing gratitude for his lifelong commitment to the priesthood and the Church.

Father Kant often attributed his long life to a life rooted in prayer and trust in God. Those qualities remained at the heart of his witness throughout his many years of ministry.

As the Diocese of Fulda mourns his passing, the legacy of Father Bruno Kant remains a powerful testimony to priestly fidelity, perseverance through hardship, and a lifetime spent in service to Christ and His people.

Courtesy: Hugot Seminarista