While the German bishops remain firm in their synodal ideals, they seem slightly more willing to extend more of a hand to Rome given their choice of new president. Heiner Wilmer has been described as a bridge between conservatives and progressives by German Episcopal media.
He is 64 years old. He has been a bishop since 2018 and speaks German, English, French, Spanish, and Italian. He is very familiar with how the Curia works, as he lived in Rome not only to study theology but also to serve as Superior General of his order, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
As for his views, he supports the synodal path and believes that the abuse of power is in the “DNA of the Church.” Speaking of abuse, it has remained as the epicenter of the ecclesial earthquake in Germany, which erupted in 2019 following a report that contained testimonies from thousands of victims.
The synodal path began as a process to address this crisis, and seven years later, Wilmer’s first statement was precisely about this.
MONS. HEINER WILMER
President, German Bishops’ Conference
A special word goes to the people who have experienced sexualized violence in the Church. Their voices carry weight. Every step of the process of coming to terms with the past gains depth and truth through their testimony. Listening and reliability shape this path.
Regarding the controversial synodal agenda and mandatory celibacy, Wilmer believes it should be reviewed—not because it is directly linked to abuse, but because he believes many priests become isolated.
On women and ordained ministries, Wilmer addressed the issue at his first press conference, although he did not take a firm position.
MONS. HEINER WILMER
President, German Bishops’ Conference
I very much welcome the fact that the World Synod has placed the issue of women in offices and ministries on the agenda. And I remain convinced that the Holy Spirit is at work today. I look forward to the surprises of the Holy Spirit.
The new president seems to maintain good ties with Rome. In recent years, with the synodal path underway, he has visited the Vatican several times during Pope Francis’s papacy.
MONS. HEINER WILMER
President, German Bishops’ Conference
From Rome, I have heard the signals that Pope Francis has already said that synodality is the basic form of the Church. Pope Leo has confirmed this, and in this regard, I am confident.
He also met privately with Pope Leo XIV. It was on November 13 in a private audience. His term will now last six years—a period in which it will become clear how the tense relations with Rome evolve.
CA
Trans. CRT
