Summary
This is an Italian translation of a news article published on January 28, 2026, in The European Conservative. In Germany, there are two main bodies overseeing the Catholic Church: the Conference of German Bishops, which includes all bishops and coordinates pastoral care, liturgy, communication, and various initiatives; and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), a unique entity in the global Catholic community. The ZdK, established historically to protect the minority Catholic population within a Protestant country known for its aggressive cultural hostility towards “Papists” (Kulturkampf), has evolved since the Council of Vatican II into an almost parliamentary body. It was subsequently co-opted by progressives to initiate democratic reforms within the Church. The ZdK represents German Catholics in public life, coordinates lay apostolate, advises and provides recommendations to bishops, and publishes statements on matters of public concern. However, it lacks decision-making authority as church governance rests solely with the Pope and other bishops united under him. One notable aspect is Germany’s wealth compared to the Vatican; the Church of Germany reportedly controlled assets valued at around 250 billion euros in 2025, which significantly weighed on the decisions made by German bishops. The process culminated in December 1, 2019, with what is known as the Synodal Way, a consultation involving 230 people to discuss four themes: separation of powers within the Church, sexual ethics, priestly ministry specifically related to celibacy, and the role of women in ecclesial life. The synod was fueled by concerns over clerical sex abuse scandals during Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy. Germany faced particularly intense pressure from both its historic Protestant roots and a progressive-leaning clergy. The issue of abuse led German bishops to see it as more than just a moral failure, but rather an indicator of systemic failures within the Church—religious, legal, cultural. The synod aimed to reconsider the entire structure of the Catholic Church in Germany. Pope Benedict XVI stepped down from his position in 2013.
Key Topics
ZdK, German Church, Synod
