VATICAN CITY — During a private audience this morning, Pope Francis urged the president of the German bishops’ conference to continue with a much-disputed Synodal Path for the Church in Germany. According to a statement issued almost immediately by the German bishops’ conference after the meeting, Bishop Bätzing said the Pope “has encouraged us to continue on the Synodal Path we have chosen, to discuss the questions openly and honestly and to come to recommendations for a change in the way the Church operates.” “At the same time,” he added, “he called for the Church in Germany to help shape the path of synodality that he has proclaimed towards the Synod of Bishops in 2023.” Bishop Bätzing said the focus of their discussions was the sexual abuse crisis, that Pope Francis is “well informed about the situation of the Church in Germany,” and that the Pope “hopes tensions can be overcome.”
Pope Francis Receives Bishop Bätzing, Reportedly Encourages German Synodal Path| National Catholic Register
Pope Francis Receives Bishop Bätzing, Reportedly Encourages German Synodal Path| National Catholic Register
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