Several prominent German Catholic bishops have distanced themselves from US President Donald Trump. Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne stated to “Focus” magazine that he could only agree with the remarks of Pope Leo XIV, which sharply criticized Trump. The Pope criticized themes such as self-deification and the veneration of money without naming individuals, and he called for an end to conflicts. Woelki noted that it was clear Trump was displeased with the papal stance, adding that, “for him, the Gospel does not seem to be the guiding principle of his political actions”.
Similarly, Archbishop Herwig Gössl of Bamberg told the magazine that any policy threatening “the destruction of civilizations” one that sows division through its rhetoric and prepares for military options, must be “rejected from a Christian perspective”. While Gössl did not name the US President explicitly, Bishop Stefan Oster of Passau spoke out directly against Trump. In a Facebook post, Oster expressed being “speechless” at “the alarming manner” in which the US President attacked the Pope. In Oster’s assessment, the US President is “dangerous in many respects”.
The bishops’ pronounced statements are also notable because the German Episcopal Conference has officially remained silent regarding the dispute between the White House and the Vatican. According to the magazine, the silence of the highest Catholic body in Germany stems from a request originating from Rome. As the Pope had already spoken personally about Trump’s attacks, the directive was for the local churches to exercise restraint.
In conversation with “Focus”, a source close to the Episcopal Conference suggested that Bishop Oster’s position, in particular, could “set the tone” for the Catholic Church in Germany. Oster’s social media post also referenced US Bishop Robert Barron. Oster expressed gratitude that Barron had since distanced himself from the President. However, he believes that following “Trump’s recent missteps” it is no longer possible for Barron to remain a neutral voice within a commission of Trump’s MAGA movement without becoming “compromised”.
The source mentioned that Trump had severely criticized Pope Leo XIV as weak after the Pontiff called for peace.
