Have the German bishops lost their synodal majority?
The German bishops' conference is facing a potential delay in the establishment of a new synodal conference due to the need for Vatican approval of its statutes. Bishop Heiner Wilmer indicated that the first meeting may not occur as planned, reflecting a shift in the bishops' previously united stance on reform. This situation raises questions about the future of the synodal process in Germany and the bishops' relationship with the Vatican.
- ▪Bishop Heiner Wilmer stated that the first meeting of the synodal conference cannot proceed without Vatican approval.
- ▪The synodal conference is intended to carry forward proposals from the previous synodal way process.
- ▪There has been a noticeable slowdown in momentum among German bishops following the election of Pope Leo XIV.
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| Original publisher | The Pillar |
| Canonical URL | https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/have-the-german-bishops-lost-their |
| Publication time | Mon, 18 May 2026 19:50:20 GMT |
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Church in Germany—AnalysisHave the German bishops lost their synodal majority?Ed. CondonMay 18, 2026ShareThe chairman of the German bishops’ conference has suggested that the first scheduled meeting of a controversial synodal body will be delayed absent approval of its statutes by the Vatican.German bishops’ conference chairman Bishop Heiner Wilmer attends a press conference on Feb. 24, 2026, in Würzburg. Credit: Deutsche Bischofskonferenz / Marko Orlovic.Speaking to media on Friday, Bishop Heiner Wilmer said that the first meeting of a new permanent national body composed of bishops and lay people, known as the “synodal conference,” could not go ahead unless the Vatican approved its statutes, which were approved by Synodal Way participants earlier this year.“I personally do not expect…
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