Archbishop Gänswein in new interview for 70th birthday on the problems of synodality and the German Church

On the occasion of his 70th birthday, Archbishop Georg Gänswein speaks in an interview with katholisch.de about his life alongside Benedict XVI, his role in the Baltic states, Pope Leo XIV—and his concerns regarding the Church in Germany.

This Thursday, Archbishop Georg Gänswein turns 70. In an interview with katholisch.de, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Baltic states looks back on defining turning points in his life—foremost among them his encounter with, and the influence of, Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013). Gänswein also discusses the current security situation in the Baltic region, the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, and the Synodal Path in Germany.

Question: Archbishop, you turn 70 on Thursday. Is this birthday a watershed moment for you, or simply a number you are facing with equanimity?

Gänswein: It is not a watershed moment. I view this birthday just as I did the previous ones. I am approaching the day with complete composure.

Question: Looking back on your life so far on the occasion of your birthday: Are there any decisions or turning points for which you are particularly grateful today?

Gänswein: A decisive turning point was certainly my appointment to the Roman Curia—a position I had not sought out. There, another profound shift occurred: my encounter with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Since then, he has decisively shaped my life through the responsibilities that arose from that meeting and through his personal influence over many years. Looking back, that is the most important point. Of course, there were formative stages before that, too: my studies, the decision to enter the priesthood, my ordination, my pastoral duties, and my time at the university in Munich.

Question: Is there anything you would say today: "I would do that differently"? 

Gänswein: I would choose the major paths of my life exactly the same way again. There are smaller decisions within those broad outlines that, in retrospect, I view as wrong or unsuccessful.

Question: Looking ahead to the coming years: as a bishop and nuncio, you are required to offer your resignation to the Pope no later than your 75th birthday. How do you view the time that lies ahead?

Gänswein: With the same serenity with which I view my upcoming 70th birthday. I look forward with confidence and trust in God. I carry out my service and let whatever comes next unfold.

Question: Is there a particular role that would still appeal to you? Or are you waiting to see what the Pope might have in mind for you?

Gänswein: I am waiting. Of course, there are roles that would appeal to me. But I have to face reality: I am turning 70 now and have been the Nuncio to the Baltic states for two years. Providence will decide the right course of action at the right time.

Question: It is fair to say that the role of nuncio in the Baltics was not exactly your dream job at the start. How do you view this role today? Is it merely a duty, or would you say that you have truly settled into life in the Baltics?

Gänswein: My dream vocation is the priesthood. I could never have imagined years ago that I would be doing what I am doing today. I did not choose any of my assignments myself. When they came my way, I embraced them. At first, the challenge in Vilnius did indeed feel like a duty. That has changed radically since then. I enjoy being here, I give it my all, and I view this role as my apostolate. I didn't choose this path myself, but the Baltic states are now the place where I serve as a laborer in the Lord's vineyard. 

Question: Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Baltic states have been living with a very concrete threat. How do you perceive the mood and everyday life in these three countries?

Gänswein: Indeed, the threat from the East is a constant atmospheric strain that occupies people’s minds and, in some cases, weighs heavily upon them. As a believer, a priest, a bishop, and a nuncio, I try to offer hope. The danger is real; there is no sugarcoating that. It is all the more important, then, to help people look beyond the danger and show them that, in the end, it is not the threat that has the final word, but hope.

Question: Germany is currently establishing a permanent Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania. What significance do you attach to this presence—especially in a country that was one of Germany’s victims during the Second World War?

Gänswein: The Lithuanians are very grateful for this presence. The buildup is scheduled for completion in two years. By then, around 5,000 soldiers and their families will be stationed here—a total of about 20,000 people. This represents a clear commitment to security. Germans are welcome here. Of course, the period from 1941 to 1943 has not been forgotten. But thank God, German-Lithuanian relations have since evolved into a good, friendly partnership.

Question: What role can the Church and diplomacy play today, at a time when military deterrence has once again become a central element of European security?

Gänswein: Diplomacy stands for dialogue. The crucial thing is that people engage in conversation with one another, rather than letting bombs or violence do the talking. Diplomacy aims to help prevent armed conflicts. And if they do break out, diplomacy must do everything possible to bring them to an end. It is a task that is as arduous as it is essential. Yet the louder the clamor of violence, the more necessary the work of diplomacy becomes.

Question: You spent many years of your priestly life living and working alongside Pope Benedict XVI. Do you sometimes find it a burden that many people still perceive you primarily as his private secretary?

Gänswein: No, not at all—quite the opposite. It is clear: the face that became known around the world alongside Pope Benedict was mine. That is not a burden; it is simply part of my life. It is an experience that has deeply shaped me. Many people—including those in the Baltic states—know me as Benedict’s former secretary. And this is the case even though thirteen years have passed since he stepped down and nearly four years since his death. What happened remains. And I hope that most people have fond memories of that time.

Question: As Benedict XVI’s closest confidant, do you feel a special obligation to preserve his memory? Or must a pope eventually be left to history?

Gänswein: I do feel obligated—not because it is expected of me, but because I want to do it myself. I am a witness to how important and significant a figure he was for the Church and for the world. That is why keeping his memory alive is a matter close to my heart. Above all, I want to help ensure that the rich treasure of his pontificate and his theological work is preserved and brought to light. That is important to me; it is something I am committed to.

Question: Has your perspective on Benedict XVI changed since his death? Have you discovered sides of him since then that you were not aware of before?

Gänswein: No, my perspective has not essentially changed. Since his death, I have re-read much of his work—texts from his time as a professor, a cardinal, and a pope, and especially the homilies he delivered as Pope Emeritus, which have since been published. The passage of time helps one view things more objectively. Events marked by immense pressure or fierce criticism can be better understood today from a greater distance.

"It is undeniable that certain difficulties and hardships became apparent during the previous Pontificate." — Archbishop Georg Gänswein

Question: The Church has had a new pope, Leo XIV, for a good year now. How would you describe the course he has taken so far?

Gänswein: He is a prudent and wise man. He sent an initial signal with his choice of name. He is once again placing greater reliance on the direct cooperation of the Roman Curia and is placing his trust in it. At the same time, he recognizes that there are tensions and difficulties within the Church that must be overcome. He acknowledges this reality and seeks to heal existing wounds with prudence. A clear direction is evident in this approach; this is reflected in his personnel decisions as well as in his magisterial documents and public statements.

Question: Would you say that this marks a distinct difference from his predecessor—and that this new course is beneficial for the Church?

Gänswein: I am not making a value judgment regarding the two popes. It is undeniable that certain difficulties and troubles became apparent during the previous pontificate. Pope Leo sees these problems and is addressing them. This demonstrates that he perceives reality, takes it seriously, and acts accordingly.

Question: What do you hope for from him in the coming years?

Gänswein: A pope’s most important task is to be the primary witness to Jesus Christ. That is the crucial thing. He must provide convincing answers rooted in faith to the questions of the present day. Criticism is inevitable, even though he has met with almost nothing but approval so far. I hope he remains steadfast when the wind shifts and headwinds arise.

Question: Let’s look at Germany: You have lived abroad for many years—how closely do you follow developments within the Catholic Church in your homeland?

Gänswein: Very closely. Germany is my home; that is where my roots are. I pay close attention to reports about the Church and, naturally, maintain personal contacts as well. I continue to feel a strong bond with the Church in Germany.

Question: What concerns you regarding the Church in Germany—and what gives you hope?

Gänswein: My concern centers on that unwieldy term, the "Synodal Path." Fruitless debates about structures and similar issues tie up vital energy in the wrong areas. On the other hand, I find hope in the new initiatives taken by young people who are interested in the faith and practice it. I observe this with gratitude; it warms my heart.

Question: In recent years, the Synodal Path has created considerable tension between the Church in Germany and Rome. How would you describe the relationship today?

Gänswein: You have already mentioned the key word: tension. Tensions surrounding the Synodal Path—and various initiatives that break away from the Catholic understanding of the faith—persist and await final resolution. For many Catholics in Germany who simply want to live out their faith, this has become a burden. 

Question: Can the new figures in charge—Pope Leo in Rome and the new Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Bishop Heiner Wilmer—help ease tensions?

Gänswein: I hope so. The new Chairman of the Bishops' Conference has made a good impression so far. He clearly does not intend to try to force his way through walls. That could have a positive effect on easing tensions.

Question: Finally: When you look at your birthday, your role in the Baltic region, and the changes in the Church and the world—what sustains you personally in your faith and gives you confidence?

Gänswein: What sustains me is faith itself—regardless of my current responsibilities. It gives me hope, confidence, a sense of stability, and, above all, joy. Despite all the difficulties around me, faith remains the guiding star of my life. It is with this mindset that I wish to embrace whatever the future holds.

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