Pope Francis has long had concerns about the goals of the “Synodal Path”, which is planning several reforms after the abuse scandal in German churches. Many innovations are “inadmissible” and a “threat to the unity of the Church,” according to a statement by the Vatican.
In an official statement, the Vatican has forbidden German Catholics to go it alone on far-reaching reforms. “The ‘Synodal Way’ in Germany is not authorized to oblige the bishops and the faithful to adopt new forms of governance and new orientations of doctrine and morality,” the Holy See clarified in a statement. “It would not be permissible to introduce in the dioceses, prior to an agreement agreed at the level of the universal Church, new official structures or doctrines which would constitute a violation of ecclesial communion and a threat to the unity of the Church.”
However, the Vatican invites German Catholics to contribute their ideas to the currently ongoing synodal process of the universal church. Pope Francis initiated this process, although it is unclear exactly what the goal is and whether any concrete reforms are intended.
The synodal path of the German Bishops’ Conference and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), which began in 2019, is a consequence of the abuse scandal. He is striving for reforms in four areas: dealing with power, Catholic sexual morality, the position of women and the mandatory celibacy of priests (celibacy). Concrete innovations that are being sought include a say for the faithful in the appointment of bishops, the blessing of same-sex couples and the diaconate of women, a precursor to the priesthood.
Pope Francis has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the synodal path. He said recently that there is already a Protestant church in Germany – “we don’t need two of them”. The German Bishops’ Conference announced a statement.
According to canon law expert Thomas Schüller, the Vatican has given the declaration of a clear rejection of the German reform efforts. “That’s how it can go with the blossoming dreams of the German synods: They burst on the Roman walls,” said the Münster professor. “Rome puts up a stop sign and insists on its sole leadership in transforming power and doctrine in the church.”
The Vatican fears that the German Catholics could go their own way, and apparently the restorative forces in the Roman central administration managed to strengthen Pope Francis in his critical view of the German Church. From the Pope’s point of view, the Germans think too much in terms of structures and pay too little attention to actively proclaiming their faith. According to Schüller, changes in teaching are just as important as the containment of episcopal absolutist power. “The universal church, and with it Rome, could definitely learn from a particular church like that in Germany, but apparently doesn’t want to.”
