Germany
The Latest
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
Police: Suspect in theft of Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross arrested
A 53-year-old suspect has been arrested in the theft of Pope Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross. Read more
Congress members urge DOJ to reject deportation of German family who sought asylum in US
The Romeikes were granted deferred action status in 2013 after conflicts with the German government about home-schooling their children. Read more
German bishops conclude tense gathering with all eyes on Synod on Synodality in Rome
Conscious of mounting tensions and open defiance around certain issues, the assembly in Wiesbaden served as a charged prelude to... Read more
