German Catholic Congress unites 74,000 in calls for courage and reform
The 104th German Catholic Congress wrapped up in Würzburg on Sunday after drawing around 74,000 participants. High-profile guests included German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The event, organised by the ZdK—the body representing lay Catholics—brought together believers, reform advocates, and public figures for discussions on faith and society. During the closing ceremony, Bishop Heiner Wilmer called on believers to face challenges with courage. He urged them not to shy away from the struggles of the world or the Church’s own difficulties. His words were direct: ‘Do not fear the dirt of the street. Do not fear the chaos of this world. Do not fear being a battered Church.’
The bishop also addressed the push for women’s roles in ministry, expressing optimism but asking for patience. Meanwhile, reform groups reiterated their demand for women’s access to ordained positions within the Church. Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, delivered a powerful speech against antisemitism. He urged attendees to *‘show civil courage’* and defend democratic values every day, not just in moments of crisis. Irme Stetter-Karp, closing the event, thanked all participants for their contributions. The congress had attracted both ticket holders and visitors without passes, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind.
The congress ended with calls for both reform and resilience. Speakers highlighted the need for courage in tackling societal and religious challenges. Organisers and attendees now look ahead to how these discussions will shape the future of the Catholic Church in Germany.
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