Cardinal Newman invoked to justify the lay power games at the heart of synodality.

ZdK President reflects on Pope Leo's First 100 Days

"The Church's Transformation Is Urgent"

Pope Leo XIV has been in office for just over 100 days and regularly calls for peace and reconciliation. Irme Stetter-Karp, President of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZDK), hopes for a greater commitment to change.

DOMRADIO.DE: How do you assess Pope Leo's first 100 days? Did he fulfill your expectations, surprise you, or disappoint you?

Irme Stetter-Karp (President of the Central Committee of German Catholics / ZdK): Above all, I see that he is consistently continuing the worldwide synodal process. This process was initiated by his predecessor. Pope Leo XIV stands by synodality and is staying the course.

That makes me happy. It is a good encouragement for us in Germany to continue on our synodal path and also to reap the fruits of our labor. Joint deliberation and decision-making is the path of the Catholic Church in the 21st century. I am convinced of that.

Many people, like me, are curious to see how Pope Leo will now approach the urgently needed reforms in the Church in detail.

DOMRADIO.DE: Looking at his conduct in recent months, one has read in the media commentaries that Leo seems very cautious, almost pale or boring compared to Francis. Were the initial expectations perhaps too euphoric, or does he still need some patience?

Stetter-Karp: Expectations of a new pope will always be high, especially in this critical global political situation and with the many questions and tensions within the Catholic Church, including with Pope Leo.

Irme Stetter-Karp "In my opinion, a certain openness and patience are required first."

I think we need to give him time. We need to continue to observe him. At some point, his first encyclical will come, and then we will know more about the priorities of his pontificate. In my opinion, a certain openness and patience are required first.

DOMRADIO.DE: You already mentioned the World Synod. As a lay representative, you are paying particular attention to possible reforms within the Roman Catholic world church. Have you seen any initial signs of hope?

Stetter-Karp: I would like to briefly outline the path, or at least mark it out. At the beginning, we had a lack of synchronicity in the processes that have long characterized the World Synod. The process began in Germany in 2019. At that time, the German Bishops' Conference asked the Central German Bishops' Conference (ZDK) whether we wanted to pursue this path with the bishops. Only later did Pope Francis initiate the global process.

These two different starting points and speeds shaped the communication – and sometimes the lack of communication – between the Vatican and the German Church. However, the pace seemed necessary to us due to the decision to address the systemic causes of abuse.

In my view, things have improved. This is also due to changes in leadership in individual dicasteries. We are on a good path to understanding. We hope that we can make the decision for a permanent body this year.

Irme Stetter-Karp "You have to give a person with such a challenging task time to make their own mark."

DOMRADIO.DE: This means that the relationship between the Vatican and the Catholic Church in Germany could ease somewhat, and that bishops would have to justify themselves less than in the past. Pope Leo also elevated John Newman to the status of the Church. Newman particularly emphasized the importance of lay people. Furthermore, Leo appointed a woman to a leadership position in the Dicastery for Religious Affairs. Are these symbolic signs of a willingness to reform?

Stetter-Karp: As I said, I would like to refrain from making any final assessments. I believe that someone has to take up their office. You have to give a person with such challenging tasks time to shape the office.

Within the Church, we expect a rapid pace regarding the reduction of clericalism and an end to discrimination against women in the ordained ministry. I would say we expect synodality to be a requirement for bishops—especially for bishops who are newly appointed.

Irme Stetter-Karp "Change certainly cannot be effectively shaped by appeasement in all directions."

In our view, the Church's transformation is urgent. While I recognize the value of mediation, it is also true that change cannot be effectively shaped by appeasement in all directions.

That's why we have expectations. At the same time, we recognize the challenging task Leo faces. I see signs of Leo's desire for reform. To what extent these signs will bear fruit and lead to structural steps, I cannot yet say.

DOMRADIO.DE: Representatives of the ZDK Presidium have already had the opportunity to meet Pope Leo. Was this a conversation that confirmed their impressions and hopes?

Stetter-Karp: My colleagues from the ZDK Presidium, as well as Secretary General Mark Frings, were very happy after the conversation with Pope Leo. Immediately afterward, they wrote to me that they had encountered a very alert and attentive Cardinal Prevost.

At that time, he was already very well informed about the situation of the Church in Germany. He was also familiar with our steps on the synodal path. As President of the ZDK, I was particularly pleased that he appreciated our socio-political work, especially our position on migration issues.

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