Christkönig, Catholic church in Bischofsheim, Germany

Christkönig is a church in Bischofsheim with a seven-story tower featuring horizontal concrete bands, a clock, and parabolic openings filled with perforated masonry. The interior space is spanned by a parabolic vault that runs the entire length of the building.

The building was constructed in 1926 by architect Dominikus Böhm and replaced an earlier structure from 1902 dedicated to Saint Joseph. This new construction reflected changing approaches to church design in that period.

The church takes its name from the Feast of Christ the King, introduced by Pope Pius XI in 1925; Bischofsheim's church was the first in Germany dedicated under this title, consecrated on 22 November 1926 by Bishop Ludwig Maria Hugo. Inside, a six-metre brass crucifix by Cologne sculptor Hans Wissel shows Christ as king rather than suffering, and the leaded glazing was installed in 1934 to designs by Dominikus Böhm.

The church is generally accessible on weekdays, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the interior details and windows. If you seek specific information, the parish office keeps regular hours on certain days.

The church was the first in Germany dedicated to Christ the King, consecrated on 22 November 1926 by Bishop Ludwig Maria Hugo, a year after Pope Pius XI introduced the feast. In 1928 the papal nuncio Eugenio Pacelli, later Pius XII, visited this concrete building. The original bronze bells were seized and melted down in 1942; the foundry Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock cast four new ones in 1950.