Born August 18, 1956 in Köln-Mühlheim.
He was ordained a Priest on June 14, 1985 for Köln {Cologne}, Germany. On February 24, 2003, he was appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Köln {Cologne}, and Titular Bishop of Scampa. He was ordained as a Bishop on March 30, 2003.
He was later appointed as the Archbishop of Berlin, Germany on July 2, 2011, and was installed on August 27, 2011.
He was elevated to Cardinal on February 18, 2012, and appointed Cardinal-Priest of San Giovanni Maria Vianney. He was installed on June 30, 2012.
