The tradition of theological education in Trier dates back to ancient times. Even during the reign of Emperor Constantine († 337), Trier was an important center of Christianity in the western Roman Empire. Important Church Fathers such as Athanasius of Alexandria († 373), Ambrose of Milan († 397), and Jerome († 420) worked here, were born here, or stayed in Trier for long periods of time.

With the founding of the old University of Trier in 1473, theology gained a firm foothold in the academic life of the city. This first theological faculty existed until 1798, when the French revolutionary government dissolved the university. From 1805 onwards, the Episcopal Seminary took over the task of continuing theological education in Trier – for over a century and a half.

On June 5, 1950, Pope Pius XII established the second Faculty of Theology in Trier as a pontifical university under papal law at the Episcopal Seminary in Trier. On August 22 of the same year, it was recognized by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate as a university with all academic rights, especially the right to award doctorates and habilitations, and was officially opened on September 30, 1950.

A cooperation agreement with the University of Trier, newly founded in 1970, enables joint degree programs, institutes, and research projects.

Since 1992, the faculty has been located on the university campus (Building E). Individual courses and festive occasions continue to take place in the traditional Episcopal Seminary (Jesuitenstr. 13). The theological library is also located there.

The Faculty of Theology in Trier is a church-run university under papal law with state recognition. Its legal status forms the basis for teaching, research, and academic degrees, providing students, teachers, and partner institutions with clear guidance and security.
 

Statutes (German PDF)