Father Bruno Kant, believed to be the world’s oldest priest, died on the evening of Friday, May 29, at age 110. He had served as a priest since 1950. In late February, Pope Leo XIV thanked Fr. Kant of the Diocese of Fulda, Germany, for his “many years of faithful and devoted priestly service.”
In a note on the diocese’s website, Bishop of Fulda Msgr. Michael Gerber recalled that “just a few months ago” he had “the privilege of conveying the blessing of Pope Leo XIV to Fr. Bruno Kant, on the occasion of his 110th birthday. Meeting him deeply impressed me. Even in his advanced age, he radiated the humility, kindness, and spiritual depth that characterized his entire priestly life. The Diocese of Fulda remembers his work and service with great gratitude,” Bishop Gerber said.
Father Guido Pasanow of the Eichenzell-Löschenrod parish, where Kant lived until his death, said the parish “loses a person who was fundamental to it for many years.”“Even after retiring from active ministry, he remained a much-loved confidant, pastor, and spiritual guide to many parishioners. We are grateful for all he contributed to our community,” Fr. Pasanow added.
Born near Danzig in what is now Poland, Kant had wanted to be a priest since the age of nine, katholisch.de reported in November 2025. He began theological studies, but the Nazi regime conscripted him for forced labor and made him a soldier. Kant spent four years as a prisoner of war in Russia before reuniting with his family, who had fled to the West. He was finally ordained a priest in 1950.
After decades of priestly service, he gradually limited his activity. He stopped driving at 102, according to a katholisch.de report from November. “For the past few years, he has refrained from celebrating Holy Mass with the congregation on Wednesday evenings. However, he continued to visit the sick as long as he was able. Now he is no longer able to do so.”On that occasion, Kant said, “I expect to die every day. I am not far from it.” In his later years, he spent his days solving Sudoku puzzles, watching television, reading newspapers, and praying. “Praying keeps me young,” he said.