Warning on the German Synod: “A Heretical Project”. Cardinal Müller gives wide-ranging interview

In a revealing interview with journalist Jonas Danner for the German media outlet Kontrafunk, Cardinal Gerhard Müller, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, offered a powerful intervention. During this conversation, the cardinal reviewed current ecclesial and political events. Over the course of an hour, he addressed topics of profound relevance, clarifying his theological, pastoral, and doctrinal vision for the future of the Church and the dangers that, in his opinion, threaten it. Cardinal Müller analyzes current ecclesial events with a critical and well-founded perspective.

On the Traditional Mass: "Unnecessary wounds must not be caused"

One of the most significant points of the interview was his profound reflection on the Traditional Mass. It is important to emphasize that the restriction of this liturgical form, imposed by Traditionis Custodes, has caused considerable wounds within the Church. In this regard, Cardinal Müller stated bluntly:

“These restrictions have led to unnecessary disappointments among the faithful, which could have easily been avoided. It is not a question of externally uniformizing the Church; on the contrary, true unity must be sought. This unity is unity in faith, not merely in external liturgical discipline.”

In this regard, the cardinal recalled the expression of Benedict XVI. The Pope Emeritus recognized the two forms of the Roman rite. Therefore, Müller firmly advocated for a restoration of the spirit of Summorum Pontificum, underscoring the importance of this liturgy:

“The traditional liturgy is not a whim of nostalgics. On the contrary, it represents a valid form of spiritual nourishment for many faithful and must be respected.”

Against liturgical authoritarianism: “The Church is not a barracks”

Furthermore, Cardinal Müller was especially critical of the style of some bishops. He pointed out that, in applying liturgical restrictions, they have acted with excessive and insufficiently pastoral zeal:

"There are those who believed they should demonstrate their fidelity to the Pope by being the quickest and most severe in banning the old Mass. But that is not pastoral. That, fundamentally, is not Catholic. That is opportunism disguised as obedience."

And he added with remarkable force and clarity:

"The Church is not a barracks, and bishops are not mere commanders. They are, above all, shepherds who must lead with charity, not impose with rigidity."

Doctrine and pastoral care: two sides of the same truth according to Cardinal Müller

Another particularly illuminating passage from the interview was his detailed analysis of the ambiguous documents of the previous pontificate. The cardinal referred specifically to Amoris Laetitia and, more recently, to Fiducia supplicans:

"These documents, in my opinion, have been drafted with calculated ambiguity. Apparently, they do not want to deny established doctrine; however, they introduce pastoral practices that, in reality, openly contradict it. This is unacceptable from a doctrinal perspective. Pastoral care cannot go against dogma, because the Good Shepherd and the Teacher of Truth are the same and identical person: Jesus Christ.”

Against Gender Ideology: “An Anti-Christian and Anti-Scientific Threat”

The cardinal also devoted extensive commentary to contemporary ideologies. He considers them incompatible with the Christian faith and natural reason. Specifically, regarding gender ideology, Cardinal Müller stated:

“Gender ideology is profoundly anti-Christian and, moreover, anti-scientific. It denies the evident biological reality of the human being. It also seeks to reshape man according to merely subjective desires. This has no place in Christian anthropology or in any serious and well-founded philosophical reasoning.”

Likewise, Müller denounced with concern that even sectors within the Church itself are promoting texts with this problematic approach:

“The recent pastoral guidelines in Germany, which promote blessings for couples of any gender identity, are not only heretical in their conception, but also a clear betrayal of the pastoral mandate that the bishops have solemnly promised to fulfill.”

Warning on the German Synod: “A Heretical Project”

Cardinal Müller was particularly harsh when speaking of the controversial German synodal process. He bluntly described it, using very direct terms, as a serious deviation:

“This so-called German synodal path is unfortunately promoting ecclesiological and doctrinal heresies. An attempt is being made to impose a parliamentary structure on the Catholic Church, which fundamentally contradicts its sacramental and apostolic nature, received from Christ.”

And he added with deep conviction:

“This is not, in any way, an authentic renewal in the Holy Spirit. Rather, it seems like an ideological colonization emerging from within. The bishops who actively collaborate with this plan are, in my opinion, betraying their sacred apostolic mission.”

Democracy, Freedom, and Ideological Persecution in Germany

In the final part of the interview, the cardinal addressed the current political situation in Germany with visible concern. He criticized what he perceives as a dangerous authoritarian drift in public debate:

“Democracy is seriously endangered when it becomes an instrument to silence dissenters. Political opinion, even if it is a minority or unpopular opinion, cannot be criminalized under any circumstances. Anyone who simply opposes the prevailing fashionable ideology cannot be treated as a criminal.”

He concluded his analysis with a forceful and thoughtful warning:

“Those who shout the loudest against fascism are often, paradoxically, the first to use its very methods. The Church, therefore, must be a critical and courageous witness against all forms of oppression and totalitarianism."

On the Human and Spiritual Profile of Pope Leo XIV

Regarding the new Pontiff, Cardinal Müller has spoken out and recognized important natural and spiritual qualities in Pope Leo XIV. He stated:

"Grace always presupposes nature; it purifies it, elevates it, and ultimately perfects it. […] I firmly believe that our new Pope already possessed these essential basic human qualities and, indeed, has convincingly demonstrated them in his many and varied previous roles."

He also highlights his valuable experience at both the institutional and geographical levels, which he considers an important asset:

"He has been elected twice as Superior General of the Augustinians. […] This double election clearly demonstrates that his religious brothers fully trusted his leadership style, which is balanced and dialogic."

"Belonging to both North and Latin America, His Holiness has a deep and intimate knowledge of both rich and diverse cultures."

Cardinal Müller also emphasized his remarkable linguistic ability and his intrinsic value as a true bridge between disparate cultures:

"He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French... This undoubtedly makes him a natural bridge to Europe and, by extension, to the entire world."

The Mission of the Papacy

Finally, the Prefect Emeritus recalled the fundamental role and essential mission of the papacy, beyond the individual:

"It is not a question of imposing one's own or particular agendas on the Holy Father. His primary mission, received from Jesus Christ, is to strengthen his brothers and sisters in the faith, as clearly indicated by the explicit mandate given to the Apostle Peter by Jesus Christ himself."

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