WOW! CONFRONTING THE GERMAN SCHISM AND ITS WORLDWIDE CONTAGION—IS THIS THE WORK OF HIS HOLINESS, POPE LEO XIV????

 THIS IS GOOD NEWS! Below the copied news story I reprint from Catholic News World, I print an Artificial Intelligence summary that makes clear Pope Leo has initiated this stunningly good news! 

BREAKING Head of Germany's Catholic Bishops' Conference Resigns - Bishop Georg Bätzing to Step Down

January 19, 2026

Bishop Georg Bätzing to Step Down as Head of German Bishops' Conference

BONN – In a move that has surprised the Catholic community, Bishop Georg Bätzing has announced he will not seek a second term as chairman of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK). The German Bishops' Conference needs a new chairman. Bishop Georg Bätzing is not seeking a second term. A successor will be sought by the end of February.

Bätzing, age 64, has led the conference since March 2020, when he succeeded Cardinal Reinhard Marx. His decision means the DBK will elect a new leader during its upcoming plenary assembly in Würzburg, scheduled for February 23–26, 2026.

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A Call for New Leadership

In a personal letter addressed to his fellow bishops, the Bishop of Limburg explained that his decision came after "careful consideration." He chose to announce his departure now to allow the conference sufficient time to deliberate on a successor before the February vote.

Key highlights from his statement:

• The Transition: Bätzing believes it is time to place the leadership of the DBK into "other hands" to ensure a sustainable future for the Church.

• Reflecting on Tenure: He described his six years in office as "intense," noting that significant progress was made alongside the "people of God."

• Hopes for the Future: He encouraged the conference to maintain "courage for open dialogue" and a "willingness to reach out to one another."

What Happens Next?

The election for the next chairman, who will serve a six-year term, will be the central focus of the assembly in Würzburg at the end of next month.

Bätzing’s tenure was marked by a period of significant reform efforts and internal dialogue within the German Church. His successor will inherit the task of navigating these ongoing developments while maintaining unity with the global Catholic Church.

FROM ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:

AI Overview

There are strong indications and reports from January 2026 suggesting Pope Leo XIV is pressing German Bishop Georg Bätzing, head of the German Bishops' Conference, to resign due to conflicts over the German Church's "Synodal Way," with fears of schism rising, and some social media posts even claimed Bätzing already stepped down, though official confirmation needs verification, as Bätzing's leadership and the Synodal Path's direction clash with Vatican expectations

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Key Points of the Situation:

• Pope Leo XIV's Stance: Pope Leo XIV, reportedly receiving support from cardinals, sees the German Synodal Conference as a potential schism and wants to intervene, potentially suspending the process.
• Bätzing's Position: Bishop Bätzing is the leader of the contentious German "Synodal Way," a reform movement that Rome views with suspicion, especially regarding its moves toward decision-making bodies with lay involvement.
• Pressure for Resignation: Sources suggest Pope Leo is pushing Bätzing out, with some online posts even prematurely announcing his resignation on January 19, 2026, due to inner fatigue and disagreements over the Synodal Way's future.
• Vatican Concerns: The Holy See has previously warned the German bishops against creating permanent bodies with decision-making powers, viewing them as contrary to Church law. 

In essence, the Pope is taking a strong stance against the German Church's direction, and Bishop Bätzing, as its leader, is at the center of this conflict, facing pressure to resign