Catholic Church in Germany
The Latest
Benedict XVI asks abuse survivors for forgiveness as advisers defend handling of Munich cases
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has personally requested forgiveness from abuse survivors in a letter responding to a report that faulted... Read more
German ‘Synodal Way’ meeting ends with call for same-sex blessings, change to Catechism on homosexuality
The votes came on the third and final day of a meeting of the Synodal Assembly. Read more
German ‘Synodal Way’ members back text calling for women priests
The appeal passed by 174 votes in favor, 30 against, and 6 abstentions. Read more
German Catholic bishop: Benedict XVI did not want to cover up clerical abuse
Bishop Stefan Oster noted that Benedict had fought abuse ‘against no small opposition in the Vatican.’ Read more
'Is a new Reformation dawning in Germany?' Initiative writes to bishops around the world
As the opening assembly of the Synodal Way is taking place in Germany, the “New Beginning” initiative has warned of... Read more
‘There was no real interest in their suffering’: Cardinal Marx apologizes to victims after Munich abuse report
He told reporters that he intended to remain in office for now. Read more
Munich abuse report: Cardinal Wetter apologizes for mishandling case
Cardinal Friedrich Wetter was archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1982 to 2007. Read more
German Catholic bishops welcome initiative seeking change in Church teaching on sexuality
The campaign criticized what it said were ‘defamatory and outdated’ expressions of Catholic doctrine. Read more
Benedict XVI confirms he attended disputed 1980 meeting in Munich
A statement said that the mistake was the result of an editing error. Read more
Cardinal Marx ‘shocked and ashamed’ by Munich abuse report
The report accused the cardinal of mishandling two abuse cases. Read more
Benedict XVI, Cardinal Marx faulted in Munich abuse report
The report covers 1977 to 1982, when the future Benedict XVI led the archdiocese. Read more
German Catholic bishop criticizes delay in Synodal Way gender-neutral language debate
Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer said: ‘I protest against this approach.’ Read more
Vatican delays external audit of contracts in Germany’s Cologne archdiocese
The review must wait until the return of Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. Read more
Pope Francis receives manifesto challenging German ‘Synodal Way’
The pope was presented with the document after his general audience. Read more
Canon lawyers to review abuse study contracts in Germany’s troubled Cologne archdiocese
The contracts relate to a landmark report released in March. Read more
Influential German Catholic lay group elects new leader
Irme Stetter-Karp succeeds the high-profile Thomas Sternberg. Read more
Report on handling of abuse cases in Germany’s Munich archdiocese delayed
The delay is caused by ‘new findings obtained in the recent past.’ Read more
German ‘Synodal Way’ extended to 2023 as assembly ends abruptly after votes on sexual morality, priesthood
The process was originally expected to end in October 2021. Read more
German Catholic bishop suggests ‘Synodal Way’ is using abuse crisis to reshape Church
The Synodal Way’s supreme decision-making body meets on Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Read more
Cardinal Kasper supports alternative ‘Synodal Way’ text
The influential theologian is considered to be close to Pope Francis. Read more
