From Bätzing to Oster: Pope Leo grants audiences to two poles of German synodalism
On the morning of September 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV received in audience Bishop Stefan Oster of Passau, known for his critical stance toward the German Synodal Path. Oster was briefly mentioned in the Vatican Press Office bulletin:
H.E. Bishop Gonzalo de Villa y Vásquez, S.J., Archbishop of Santiago de Guatemala (Guatemala).
Eminent Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod.
H.E. Bishop Francisco Canindé Palhano, Bishop Emeritus of Petrolina, Brazil.
Daniel Cellucci, President of the Catholic Leadership Institute.
H.E. Most Reverend Domenico Sorrentino, Archbishop of Assisi-Noceras Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, and Foligno.
Mr. Stephen M. Henley, President of Legatus.
H.E. Most Reverend Stefan Oster, SDB, Bishop of Passau, Federal Republic of Germany.
However, a few days ago, on September 4, Georg Bätzing, President of the German Bishops' Conference and promoter of the synodal reformist line, also visited Pope Leo XIV. After the meeting, he expressed that the Pope accompanies the German Church "with confidence." This message was interpreted as support for the reforms he is promoting, although no specific commitments were detailed.
Oster, the voice warning of disruption and division
Bishop Oster has stood out in recent years for his opposition to the German synodal process. He acknowledges that this path has increased polarization "between the Church of Germany and Rome, among the bishops, and within the People of God."
In June 2023, along with three other bishops—Woelki, Voderholzer, and Hanke—he blocked funds intended to finance a permanent synodal council, considered contrary to episcopal authority.
Oster has also warned that the majoritarian and political logic of the synodal path threatens ecclesial unity and has defended the need for an authentic community of faith, rather than a decision-making body parallel to the episcopate.
Ambiguity between reform and authority
The succession of these audiences raises an inevitable question: is Leo XIV an arbiter seeking to balance opposing forces, or a pontiff who avoids defining himself clearly? The contrast between Oster and Bätzing reveals two irreconcilable visions within the German Church itself.
For now, the meetings leave more questions than answers. We will see if this apparent ambiguity translates into clear decisions from Rome or if, once again, it will remain gestures without consequences.
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