on may 2, 1959, bengsch was appointed auxiliary bishop of berlin and titular bishop of tubia. he received his episcopal consecration on the following june 11 from cardinal julius döpfner. bengsch succeeded döpfner as bishop of berlin on august 16, 1961, three days after the erection of the berlin wall. during his tenure in berlin, he was given a monthly permission to cross the wall to minister to the eastern portion of his flock. the german prelate was granted the personal title of "archbishop" on january 14, 1962, and participated in the second vatican council (1962–1965).