Mainz, Germany, Mar 7, 2020 / 06:00 am
The new president of the German bishops' conference has emphasized his support for the ongoing synodal process of German bishops and laity, and for a paper supporting intercommunion with Lutherans.
Speaking at the closing of the plenary assembly of the German bishops in Mainz on Thursday, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg also affirmed he is following in "the big footsteps" of Cardinal Reinhard Marx in continuing along the "synodal path" currently underway in Germany.
Bätzing described as having gotten off to a "good start", despite strong criticism about the first synodal assembly in January from a number of attending bishops.
Bishop Bätzing also claimed Pope Francis supported the controversial process, stating the "synodal way" was "in line" with and exactly what the Holy Father wanted.