Overview

• The German Bishops' Conference opened its assembly in Fulda, the first full meeting since Pope Leo XIV’s election in May.
• Conference chair Georg Bätzing said he was “very satisfied” and saw “in no way a contradiction” between the Synodaler Weg and the pope’s recent comments.
• Media reports of the pope’s interview said Church teaching would not change, LGBTQ topics are “highly polarising,” and blessings for same-sex couples may occur only in non‑ritual form.
• Bätzing emphasized a calm course that maintains connection with the universal Church and addresses local pastoral needs.
• Theologian Daniel Bogner said a savings drive tied to declining church-tax revenues will sharply cut funding for many Catholic organizations and lacks transparent criteria.