The German Church is insisting on significant reforms, creating difficulties for Pope Leo XIV. His predecessor, the Argentine pontiff Francis, also faced serious challenges because of demands from Germany’s Synodal Path for sweeping changes, which the Vatican largely rejected or seeks to revise. The main demands include expanding women’s role in the Church, abolishing priestly celibacy, revising sexual‑morality teachings, redefining bishops’ powers, and permitting laypeople to preach during Mass.
The issues have been building for many years. The head of the German Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Heiner Wilmer, said in an interview that «the topics were not postponed, they are still being considered». These questions have turned Germany into a testing ground for Popes Francis and Leo XIV. The debate goes beyond sexual morality and priestly celibacy to include power structures and calls for greater lay participation in the governance of the German Church.
Changes in governance structure
In March, the Vatican received the Statute of the Permanent Synodal Council—a body intended to continue the work launched by the Synodal Path. Its membership is expected to comprise 27 representatives from the Central Committee of German Catholics and 27 laypeople. The first session is planned for November. The document is currently under review by the Pope. «I am confident that we will move forward», Bishop Wilmer said.
This represents a major shift in Church structure, envisaging an unprecedentedly broad role for laypeople in governance. It creates a difficult situation for the Vatican, as issues such as sexuality and celibacy are also part of the themes being addressed in preparations for the World Synod.
Pressure over lay preaching
The Germans continue to press Rome. On March 30, Bishop Wilmer appealed to the prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, Cardinal Arthur Roche, requesting an indult that would allow male and female laypeople to preach during Mass in place of a priest or deacon in Germany. In June, the Vatican responded negatively. Cardinal Roche, in his reply, highlighted the connection between the sacrament, liturgy, and the proclamation of the Word.
The German side has so far been unwilling to back down. The Bishop of Mainz, Peter Kohlgraf, announced that he would not punish laypeople who preach. Bishop Wilmer defended the practice established in his diocese, saying: «Many baptized women and men have spoken on this topic. I feel great pastoral respect for this tradition, which has already taken root».
Bishop Wilmer believes that in the coming years the religious factor will regain greater significance in Germany than in previous decades. He stresses that, to meet this demand, the Church seeks to change its structures, language, and forms of participation. The central question is how to adapt Catholicism to the «spirit of the times» while simultaneously reforming Church structures and doctrinal approaches. The pontiff’s decision on German reformist aspirations will also affect the rest of the Universal Church.
According to Clarín
