German Synodal Way

The Latest

Bishop Georg Bätzing at the closing press conference of the spring plenary meeting of the German bishops’ conference.

German Catholic bishops’ leader replies to Nordic bishops’ ‘Synodal Way’ critique

Apr 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

The Nordic bishops cautioned against ‘capitulation to the Zeitgeist.’ Read more

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki meets with Pope Francis at the Vatican, March 28, 2022.

Polish Catholic bishops’ leader tells Pope Francis about German ‘Synodal Way’ concerns

Mar 28, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘Francis distances himself from this initiative,’ the Polish bishops’ conference said. Read more

Bishop Georg Bätzing and Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki.

German Catholic bishops’ leader responds to Polish archbishop’s ‘Synodal Way’ criticisms

Mar 24, 2022

By CNA Staff

Bishop Bätzing said he sought a ‘real theological exchange’ with Archbishop Gądecki. Read more

Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm at a consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 28, 2017.

Nordic Catholic bishops: German ‘Synodal Way’ fills us with worry

Mar 10, 2022

By CNA Staff

The bishops cautioned against ‘capitulation to the Zeitgeist.’ Read more

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki and Bishop Georg Bätzing.

Polish Catholic bishops’ leader expresses ‘fraternal concern’ over German ‘Synodal Way’

Feb 22, 2022

By CNA Staff

Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki questioned whether the initiative was rooted in the Gospel. Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, at the Vatican, Oct. 5, 2019.

Can Cardinal Hollerich help to reconcile the German ‘Synodal Way’ with the global synodal process?

Feb 10, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

A working group is bringing together leaders of the two initiatives. Read more

The third Synodal Assembly of the ‘Synodal Way’ in Frankfurt, Germany, on Feb. 4, 2022.

German ‘Synodal Way’ meeting ends with call for same-sex blessings, change to Catechism on homosexuality

Feb 7, 2022

By CNA Staff

The votes came on the third and final day of a meeting of the Synodal Assembly. Read more

‘Synodal Way’ flags fly in front of the Congress Center Messe Frankfurt in Germany.

German ‘Synodal Way’ members back text calling for women priests

Feb 4, 2022

By CNA Staff

The appeal passed by 174 votes in favor, 30 against, and 6 abstentions. Read more

The ‘Synodal Way’ began Dec. 1, 2019.

'Is a new Reformation dawning in Germany?' Initiative writes to bishops around the world

Feb 3, 2022

By CNA Staff

As the opening assembly of the Synodal Way is taking place in Germany, the “New Beginning” initiative has warned of... Read more

Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer speaks at a press conference on June 22, 2020.

German Catholic bishop criticizes delay in Synodal Way gender-neutral language debate

Jan 12, 2022

By CNA Staff

Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer said: ‘I protest against this approach.’ Read more

Pope Francis’ general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Jan. 5, 2021.

Pope Francis receives manifesto challenging German ‘Synodal Way’

Jan 5, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope was presented with the document after his general audience. Read more

Irme Stetter-Karp, the new president of the Central Committee of German Catholics.

Influential German Catholic lay group elects new leader

Nov 19, 2021

By CNA Staff

Irme Stetter-Karp succeeds the high-profile Thomas Sternberg. Read more

Cardinal Walter Kasper.

Cardinal Kasper: Synodal Way’s ‘original sin’ was to set aside evangelization

Nov 9, 2021

By CNA Staff

The theologian said that the Synodal Way had ‘made itself a farce of a synod.’ Read more

Thomas Sternberg and Bishop Georg Bätzing at the Synodal Way’s second Synodal Assembly in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 30, 2021.

‘Synodal Way’ members back proposal promoting evangelization after voting mix-up

Oct 1, 2021

By CNA Staff

Organizers initially said that the motion was rejected. Read more

Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer of Regensburg.

German Catholic bishop suggests ‘Synodal Way’ is using abuse crisis to reshape Church

Sep 30, 2021

By CNA Staff

The Synodal Way’s supreme decision-making body meets on Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Read more

Cardinal Walter Kasper.

Cardinal Kasper supports alternative ‘Synodal Way’ text

Sep 24, 2021

By CNA Staff

The influential theologian is considered to be close to Pope Francis. Read more

Thomas Sternberg, president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), speaks at a ‘Synodal Way’ press conference.

Ahead of key ‘Synodal Way’ meeting, lay leader says: ‘What matters now is the ability to compromise’

Sep 6, 2021

By CNA Staff

Participants will votes on draft texts dedicated to hot-button issues. Read more

Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer of Regensburg, southern Germany.

German Catholic bishop proposes alternative ‘Synodal Way’ text

Sep 3, 2021

By CNA Staff

Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer presented the text on a new website. Read more

Thomas Sternberg, president of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), speaks at a ‘Synodal Way’ press conference.

The German Synodal Way: A CNA explainer 

Jun 14, 2021

By CNA Staff

The “Synodal Way” – in German: Synodaler Weg – is a controversial discussion process underway in Germany with the declared... Read more