AC Wimmer

AC Wimmer

AC Wimmer is founding Editor-in-Chief of CNA Deutsch. The multilingual Australian, raised in Bavaria and South Africa, held senior roles at Australia's SBS and served as editor-in-chief of the historic Münchner Kirchenzeitung. A graduate in Philosophy and Chinese Studies from the University of Melbourne, Anian Christoph Wimmer — Chinese name 刘威猛 — sat on the jury of the Media Award of the German Bishops’ Conference, is a former Honorary Research Fellow in Communications at the University of Melbourne and served on the Board of Caritas in Munich.

Articles by AC Wimmer

Police: Suspect in theft of Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross arrested

Oct 7, 2023 / 10:24 am

A 53-year-old suspect has been arrested in the theft of Pope Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross.

Cardinal Zen expresses concerns about Synod on Synodality in leaked letter to bishops

Oct 4, 2023 / 08:50 am

Just days before the Synod on Synodality kicked off its first round of meetings at the Vatican, a letter from Cardinal Joseph Zen was leaked to media.

German bishops conclude tense gathering with all eyes on Synod on Synodality in Rome

Sep 29, 2023 / 10:45 am

Conscious of mounting tensions and open defiance around certain issues, the assembly in Wiesbaden served as a charged prelude to more significant debates.

Swiss bishop calls for women’s ordination, end to celibacy ahead of synod

Sep 25, 2023 / 11:53 am

“It’s time to abolish mandatory celibacy,” Bishop Felix Gmür of Basel told the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag on Sept 24.

German bishops in tug of war over blessing same-sex unions

Sep 25, 2023 / 11:23 am

Ahead of the bishops’ meeting several priests conducted an event blessing same-sex couples outside the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

Historic twin marches for life in Germany face disruptions and defiance

Sep 18, 2023 / 14:55 pm

The dual marches drew thousands and were met with both enthusiasm and confrontation as counterdemonstrators attempted to disrupt the events. 

Swiss bishops’ study finds more than 1,000 cases of clergy sexual abuse

Sep 12, 2023 / 10:35 am

The 136-page report documents 1,002 cases of abuse since the mid-20th century involving 510 accused and 921 victims.

The rise of Javier Milei: a ‘false messiah’ in Pope Francis’ homeland?

Sep 7, 2023 / 11:00 am

While some of the Argentinian presidential candidate’s views resonate with many Catholics, others starkly oppose the Church’s social teachings. 

Cardinal blesses new German EWTN studio, highlights role in new evangelization

Aug 31, 2023 / 12:28 pm

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, Germany, on Aug. 30 emphasized the importance of the Catholic television network EWTN.TV.

German cardinal disappointed over staff’s attempts to access pornography 

Aug 21, 2023 / 11:45 am

“I stand firmly with Pope Francis, who unequivocally condemns [pornography] and warns of its insidious dangers,” Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki said.

Faith meets ecology: Rosaries made from ocean plastic shine at World Youth Day

Aug 18, 2023 / 09:46 am

Pilgrims from Vancouver, British Columbia, handed out rosaries crafted from recycled ocean plastic to attendees of World Youth Day in Lisbon.

Marian embrace: Gänswein speaks of loneliness and solace in first public appearance

Aug 16, 2023 / 13:00 pm

On Tuesday, the former prefect of the Papal Household found himself seeking solace in a Bavarian hamlet.

‘The Work,’ a community with a focus on eucharistic adoration, receives final approval from Vatican

Aug 7, 2023 / 08:45 am

This significant endorsement, announced on the feast of the apostle James on July 25, underscores the growing influence of The Work.

As World Youth Day kicks off, ACN champions cause of persecuted Christians worldwide

Aug 1, 2023 / 11:00 am

The aim is to encourage pilgrims and participants to actively support the suffering Church in their own countries.

German cardinal under fire for admonishing priest over same-sex blessings

Aug 1, 2023 / 09:15 am

A German cardinal was publicly criticized by the powerful Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) on Monday.

Hitler, the Holy See, and a historic treaty: The Reichskonkordat at 90

Jul 20, 2023 / 09:20 am

On July 20, the Church marks the 90th anniversary of a deal made in Rome between Hitler’s Germany and the Holy See: the Reichskonkordat.

Cupich on German processes, same-sex blessings, role of women

Jul 14, 2023 / 10:35 am

The archbishop of Chicago spoke about the Germany Synodal Way and blessing of same-sex unions as well as the pontificate of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Marx apologizes for later bishop’s role in WWII massacre

Jul 10, 2023 / 13:45 pm

Before he ascended to the rank of auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising in 1968, Matthias Defregger wore a different uniform.

Unrest in France: Religious leaders call for dialogue and calm

Jul 3, 2023 / 15:13 pm

The French bishops also have proposed a prayer for the restoration of peace in the country.

Rejected dean: Vatican veto questions synodality

Jul 3, 2023 / 09:27 am

The professor rejected by the Vatican for the role of dean at a seminary in South Tyrol, Italy, has publicly denounced the decision.