Nomination of a pro-« blessings » German bishop: Rome's coherence put to the test

Context

We opened this file in July with the public blessing of a union between same-sex persons by Cardinal Radcliffe, followed by the laborious clarification that followed the controversy (n° 844, n° 877). The question remained: what coherence does Rome intend to maintain, in its episcopal appointments, with the strict limits that Fiducia supplicans (DDF, 18 Dec. 2023) itself has set? The recent appointment of a German bishop, reported by LifeSiteNews on 7 July 2026, brings this question to the forefront.

The facts, as reported

According to LifeSiteNews (7 July 2026), Leo XIV appointed Bishop Christian Würtz as the new ordinary of the diocese of Eichstätt, in Bavaria. The Catholic media reports that the prelate, in his previous functions, had approved documents of the German Synodal Way endorsing blessings given to same-sex couples, and that he would have publicly affirmed that sodomy would "not be sinful". The context is that of a Synodal Way repeatedly reprimanded by Rome. The source is unique and confessional: prudence dictates waiting for confirmation by the Holy See Press Office, but the positions reported, if accurate, are in direct contradiction with the perennial magisterium.

Doctrinal analysis

The Catechism teaches without ambiguity that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered" and that they "can in no way receive approval" (CEC, n° 2357). The declaration Persona humana (CDF, 29 Dec. 1975, n° 8) reiterates the biblical word that qualifies them as "grave depravities" and recalls that they remain "intrinsically disordered", being deprived of their essential rule. Fiducia supplicans, published at the end of a long debate, specifies in its number 39 that the non-liturgical blessing must be granted in a way that does not confuse it either with a liturgical celebration or with marriage. A pastor who has publicly taught the contrary cannot, ipso facto, become its faithful guardian in his diocese.

Stakes for the Church and the faithful

Three stakes are intertwined. First, the credibility of Fiducia supplicans itself: a text presented as delimited risks, through appointments, to serve as a cover for what it purports to prohibit. Then the unity of the German episcopate, already tested by the Synodal Way. Finally, the confidence of the faithful attached to the perennial magisterium, who receive each ambiguous appointment as a contradictory sign addressed to their faith.

Critical reading and blind spots

The information comes from a single confessional media outlet, whose statements must be cross-checked with the bulletins of the Holy See Press Office. The exact context of the statements attributed to Bishop Würtz, the pastoral scope of his appointment, and his possible recent clarifications must be verified. It is precisely because these elements are missing that Rome should speak: silence maintains ambiguity, and ambiguity ruins consciences.

To ponder and act

The Catholic faithful distinguishes the ordinary universal magisterium from the administrative scope of appointments. He prays for the appointed bishop, asks, through the channel provided by canon 212 § 3, for clarifications from his pastors, and publicly defends, with charity but without complacency, the doctrinal texts. Tradition teaches that filial obedience does not exclude parrhesia: it founds it.