Born on June 20^th 1944 in Krefeld-Traar, Manfred von Holtum graduated from “Städtische Arndt-Gymnasium” in Krefeld and studied philosophy and theology in Bonn and Munich. He was ordained as a priest in Aachen on Juli 4^th 1970 and after years as chaplain at St. Andrew in Setterich, he taught religion at the Gymnasium Thomaeum in Kempen (Lower Rhine region) starting in August of 1972. He served as dean of the deanship of Kempen-Tönisvorst between the years 1978-1984 and priest of St. Josef in Kempen-Kamperlings from 1980 until 1990. He held the office as dean for the diocese region Kempen-Krefeld in the years 1983-1993 and after three years (March 1990-October 1993) as the priest of St. Remigius in Viersen, he became director of the Caritas association in Aachen diocese until September 30^th 1997. Manfred von Holtum assumed the office of vicar general of Aachen diocese on October 1^st 1997 until January 8^th 2015.

He was appointed resident member of the chapter by Bishop Dr. Heinrich Mussinghoff in July of 2013 and Aachen Cathedral Provost on December 7^th 2014.