BREAKING Head of Germany's Catholic Bishops' Conference Resigns - Bishop Georg Bätzing to Step Down

Bishop Georg Bätzing to Step Down as Head of German Bishops' Conference

BONN – In a move that has surprised the Catholic community, Bishop Georg Bätzing has announced he will not seek a second term as chairman of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK). The German Bishops' Conference needs a new chairman. Bishop Georg Bätzing is not seeking a second term. A successor will be sought by the end of February.

Bätzing, age 64, has led the conference since March 2020, when he succeeded Cardinal Reinhard Marx. His decision means the DBK will elect a new leader during its upcoming plenary assembly in Würzburg, scheduled for February 23–26, 2026.

A Call for New Leadership

In a personal letter addressed to his fellow bishops, the Bishop of Limburg explained that his decision came after "careful consideration." He chose to announce his departure now to allow the conference sufficient time to deliberate on a successor before the February vote.

Key highlights from his statement:

  • The Transition: Bätzing believes it is time to place the leadership of the DBK into "other hands" to ensure a sustainable future for the Church.

  • Reflecting on Tenure: He described his six years in office as "intense," noting that significant progress was made alongside the "people of God."

  • Hopes for the Future: He encouraged the conference to maintain "courage for open dialogue" and a "willingness to reach out to one another."

What Happens Next?

The election for the next chairman, who will serve a six-year term, will be the central focus of the assembly in Würzburg at the end of next month.

Bätzing’s tenure was marked by a period of significant reform efforts and internal dialogue within the German Church. His successor will inherit the task of navigating these ongoing developments while maintaining unity with the global Catholic Church.

Sources: https://www.dbk.de/presse/aktuelles/meldung/fruehjahrs-vollversammlung-der-deutschen-bischofskonferenz

https://katholisch.de/artikel/66850-bischof-baetzing-gibt-vorsitz-der-deutschen-bischofskonferenz-ab

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