Overview

• Bishops' Conference Chairman Georg Bätzing labeled the AfD's strong election performance as 'very concerning' and criticized its divisive and nationalist rhetoric.
• Bätzing emphasized that AfD voters bear responsibility for supporting the party's positions and stated that such choices cannot expect solidarity from the Church.
• The Catholic Church reaffirmed its commitment to political involvement, citing its mission to advocate for human dignity, solidarity, and open societies, despite criticism from political leaders like CSU's Markus Söder.
• Other topics at the assembly include the Church's response to sexual abuse cases, the Synodal Path reform process, and the situation of Christians in conflict zones such as Syria.
• Ongoing tensions between the Church and the CDU/CSU over migration policies and collaboration with the AfD were highlighted, with Church leaders rejecting calls for reduced political engagement.