Germany’s powerful Catholic Church presses for sweeping reforms, putting Pope Leo XIV to the test

Germany’s powerful Catholic Church is again pushing for major reforms, putting Pope Leo XIV in the difficult position of mediating between its reformist and conservative wings.

The country’s bishops want women and laypeople to have a larger role in bodies that make decisions. They have also spent years calling for greater openness on issues such as priestly celibacy and sexual morality.

For the new pontiff, the demands present a formidable challenge. Like his predecessor, he must navigate the divide between those seeking broad changes and those defending a more conservative approach.