Catholic Church in Germany
The Latest
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
Women’s ordination, transgender ideology move forward at German Synodal Way
Delegates also elected members for a commission tasked with establishing a permanent, national Synodal Council. Read more
Watchdog raises concerns after arson attacks on German, French churches
Following an arson attack on a historic church in Germany, a European watchdog has raised concerns over hate crimes targeting... Read more
Bells to ring for Benedict XVI in all Catholic churches in Germany
The bells of all Catholic churches of the 27 dioceses of Germany are expected to toll at 11 a.m. (local... Read more
German bishop must face Vatican investigation, abuse council demands
The survivors’ organization called on Bishop Bode “to take moral responsibility for the suffering caused by him — irrespective of... Read more
German Synodal Way designed to create ‘pressure’ on the Church, founding president says
Thomas Sternberg, former president of the Central Committee of German Catholics, said the process wanted to achieve changes to Church... Read more
German priest contradicts pope and backs pornography as sexual ‘relief’ for celibates
A priest of the Diocese of Münster, Father Hermann Backhaus, said he also considers it a “very strong” statement to... Read more
Pope Francis accepts resignation of German bishop found guilty of embezzlement
Pope Francis on Tuesday accepted the resignation of a German bishop who was convicted of embezzling money from a woman... Read more
