Michael Gielen (bishop)

Michael Gielen (born 11 February 1927 in Birgden, Germany; died 10 May 2017 in Maria Laach, Germany) was a German Roman Catholic bishop. He served as Auxiliary Bishop of Cologne from 1977 until his retirement in 2002.

Ordained a priest in 1953, Gielen held various pastoral and administrative roles within the Archdiocese of Cologne before being appointed Auxiliary Bishop by Pope Paul VI in 1977. He was consecrated a bishop on 20 March 1977, with Cardinal Joseph Höffner serving as principal consecrator. As Auxiliary Bishop, Gielen was responsible for the pastoral care of specific regions within the archdiocese and assisted the Archbishop in his duties. He was known for his dedication to social justice and his commitment to ecumenical dialogue. Gielen also held various positions within the German Bishops' Conference. He resigned from his position as Auxiliary Bishop in 2002, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age for bishops. After his retirement, he continued to live in Maria Laach Abbey until his death.