Carmen Álvarez Cuadrado
The Vatican has said “no” to one of the requests put forward by the German bishops: allowing laypeople, on an exceptional basis, to preach the homily during Mass — a role reserved, under canon law, exclusively to priests.
The request was submitted on March 30 and reflects the progressive approach of Germany’s Synodal Path. But the Dicastery for Divine Worship has rejected it.
“While expressing its appreciation for the pastoral concerns that inspired the request, the Dicastery reaffirms that the current discipline cannot be dispensed by means of an indult, since the reservation of the homily to a priest or deacon is not merely a disciplinary norm, but derives from the very nature of the liturgy.”
The department also reminded the bishops that the Church provides other ways for laypeople to participate outside the homily and apart from the Eucharistic celebration.
