Pope calls for more dialogue in German Church’s reform process

Pope Leo XIV has clearly articulated his expectations for the future of the German Synodal Path, emphasizing the prime importance of unity within the universal Church.

On the return flight Tuesday from his first foreign trip, the pontiff explained that there was an exchange between German bishops and representatives of the Vatican to ensure that the reform process in Germany did not deviate from the common course of the universal Church.

Leo expressed confidence that this dialogue would continue and that “things could develop positively.” At the same time, he called for more dialogue within Germany.

Many Catholics there feel that key decisions do not reflect their hopes, and have campaigned for a more influential role for the laity.

Therefore, the Pope said, more intensive listening is needed so that no groups are overlooked. Only in this way can genuine participation be guaranteed, the Pope emphasized to journalists.

In 2019, the Bishops’ Conference, together with the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), initiated a reform process known as the Synodal Path.

Most recently, a new nationwide church committee was launched with the Synodal Conference. There, bishops and laypeople hope to continue their deliberations on the future of the Catholic Church in Germany.

Leo basically classified the German reform process as part of the global synodal movement. Synodality is lived differently everywhere, he said, but this diversity does not mean a break or division.

Differences between regions are normal as long as the common framework of the universal Church is preserved. He said he assumes that there will be “some adjustments” to the decisions made so far, and remains hopeful.