Germany
The Latest
German bishops brace for budgetary blow amid financial crisis
The Diocese of Limburg — led by the chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing — recorded its... Read more
German archdiocese faces backlash over sexuality education framework
The document is scheduled for implementation across all 15 Catholic school locations in Hamburg beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Read more
Switzerland’s largest Catholic women’s group drops ‘Catholic’ from name
Originally founded a century ago, the Swiss Catholic Women’s Federation was established to preserve Catholic life in families, communities, and... Read more
German diocese allows use of ‘gender star’ symbol in messaging for certain ministries
Here is a roundup of Catholic world news that you might have missed this week. Read more
Catholic population in Germany drops below 20 million for the first time
According to the German Bishops’ Conference, Catholics now make up less than a quarter of Germany’s population and less than... Read more
Bishops call for unity after deadly attacks in Germany and Austria
In Villach, Austria, a 14-year-old Austrian boy was killed Saturday, Feb. 15, by a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker in what... Read more
German bishops distance themselves from migration statement ahead of key Parliament vote
The controversy has highlighted divisions within German Catholicism regarding migration policy. Read more
What would Thomas Aquinas make of AI?
According to one German theologian, the Catholic saint and doctor of the Church can contribute to contemporary discussions about AI’s... Read more
Church in Germany pushes toward a national synodal body
At a meeting Dec. 13–14 in Wiesbaden, delegates discussed drafting the composition of a body that initially was proposed to... Read more
New design of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral in Berlin sparks both praise and criticism
The Archdiocese of Berlin celebrated the reopening of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral on Sunday after more than six years of renovation... Read more
German AfD party member challenges removal from church volunteer positions
The decision, supported by the Archdiocese of Paderborn, has sparked controversy and will likely lead to legal challenges. Read more
German president laments Church’s diminished role at ‘Catholics Day’
Both Pope Francis and the German president addressed participants at the national Catholic event underway this week. Read more
Benedictine Bishop Dominicus Meier replaces Bode in Osnabrück Diocese in Germany
The Diocese of Osnabrück in northwestern Germany will be led by a Benedictine monk and bishop: Dominicus Meier will follow... Read more
Germany now a ‘mission country,’ Bishop Bätzing says amid declining Catholic numbers
The president of the German Bishops’ Conference has called Germany — a nation whose history is entangled with the Catholic... Read more
Four German bishops resist push to install permanent ‘Synodal Council’
The four bishops, including Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne, instead appealed for unity with the universal Church. Read more
Germany thwarts terror plot: Teenage suspects reportedly planned attacks on churches
The Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office revealed that the suspects, between 15 and 16 years old, were apprehended over the Easter... Read more
Critics challenge German Synodal Way in light of abuse study
A new study looking at survivors of abuse within the Evangelical Church in Germany calls into doubt the narrative that... Read more
Abbey in the Holy Land brings Christian students from different denominations together
For 50 years, the Benedictine Dormition Abbey, which stands on Mount Zion, has hosted German-speaking students for an ecumenical theology... Read more
Amid farmers’ protests and disruptions, German bishop calls for dialogue
Bishop Georg Bätzing appealed for peaceful resolutions on Monday: “Let us approach each other and find solutions together that serve... Read more
Thousands of ‘Star Singers’ continue tradition of bringing Christ’s blessings for new year
Every year in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, thousands of children go from door to door dressed as the three Wise... Read more
