Catholic Church in Germany
The Latest
Vatican draws line on women’s ordination and homosexuality in new letter to German bishops
The letter also warned of potential disciplinary consequences for anyone defying Church teaching. Read more
Full Text: Pope Francis’ letter expressing concern about German Synodal Way
Here is CNA’s English translation of Pope Francis’ letter to four German Catholic laywomen expressing his “concerns” about the direction... Read more
Pope Francis expresses ‘concerns’ about German Synodal Way, says it threatens Church unity
Pope Francis has expressed deep reservations about the direction of the Catholic Church in Germany. Read more
German cardinal disappointed over staff’s attempts to access pornography
“I stand firmly with Pope Francis, who unequivocally condemns [pornography] and warns of its insidious dangers,” Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki... Read more
Marian embrace: Gänswein speaks of loneliness and solace in first public appearance
On Tuesday, the former prefect of the Papal Household found himself seeking solace in a Bavarian hamlet. Read more
German cardinal under fire for admonishing priest over same-sex blessings
A German cardinal was publicly criticized by the powerful Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) on Monday. Read more
Hitler, the Holy See, and a historic treaty: The Reichskonkordat at 90
On July 20, the Church marks the 90th anniversary of a deal made in Rome between Hitler’s Germany and the... Read more
Archbishop Gänswein’s post-Vatican future beginning to take shape
The longtime personal secretary of Pope Benedict XVI has been given no permanent position in his home archdiocese but is... Read more
Cardinal Marx apologizes for later bishop’s role in WWII massacre
Before he ascended to the rank of auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising in 1968, Matthias Defregger... Read more
German exodus: Half a million Catholics abandon Church in historic departure
With the highest number of departures ever recorded, several German bishops have expressed dismay over the figures. Read more
German cardinal under investigation: Allegations of perjury prompt search of archdiocese
The allegations revolve around the accusation that Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki may have provided false testimony about his awareness of... Read more
Ringing in a new era: the historic return of Nazi-plundered bells to Poland
Over the weekend, a German bishop and a state premier participated in an initiative to bring bells stolen by the... Read more
Four German bishops block funding for permanent synodal council
In a statement, the bishops said the controversial initiative goes against “the clear instruction of the pope” and would cause... Read more
German Synodal Council challenged ahead of key Berlin meeting
A prelate in the Diocese of Regensburg said the concept of synodality underlying the Synodal Way isn’t in line with... Read more
Vatican: Gänswein to return to home diocese in July
Pope Francis has asked Archbishop Georg Gänswein to return to Germany “for the time being.” Read more
Group of faithful in Germany rejects Synodal Way: ‘We want to remain Catholic’
Birgit Kelle told EWTN Noticias that her association represents “many orthodox Catholics who are concerned about the Synodal Way and... Read more
Report: Gänswein ordered to leave Vatican, return to home diocese without new role
According to a German media report, Pope Francis is following a custom where former private secretaries of deceased popes do... Read more
Abuse victims share ‘wounded heart’ with Pope Francis after bike trek from Germany
Fifteen abuse victims arrived in Rome this week from Munich to personally urge the pope to heal and prevent sexual... Read more
Vatican’s liturgy czar rejects German Church’s plans for laity to preach homilies, conduct baptisms
Cardinal Arthur Roche also said allowing laypeople to regularly perform baptisms goes against canon law. Read more
Pope Francis accepts resignation of vice president of German bishops’ conference
Bishop Franz-Josef Bode had previously refused to step down despite an abuse report finding he had mishandled cases in his... Read more
