On Friday, Bishop Heiner Wilmer SCJ, President of the German Bishops' Conference, and his French counterpart, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, met in Hildesheim for an in-depth exchange. The meeting, held at the bishop's residence, underscores the close ties between the Catholic Church in Germany and France. Both church leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue across national borders to fulfill the shared Christian mission in a changing society.
Bishop Wilmer, who leads the Diocese of Hildesheim and will soon move to Münster, welcomed the guest from Marseille with warm hospitality. Cardinal Aveline, who has headed the French Bishops' Conference since April 2025, brought the perspective of the Church in the Mediterranean region. The encounter was marked by an open atmosphere of conversation and a mutual desire to learn from one another.
Pastoral Priorities: Adult Baptism and Social Responsibility
A central topic of discussion was the growing number of adult baptisms in both countries. More and more people are consciously choosing the Christian faith and being baptized as adults. "This trend shows that faith remains alive even in secularized societies," Wilmer explained. The bishops discussed how parishes can better accompany these individuals and integrate them into community life.
Another key focus was the Church's social responsibility. Both bishops agreed that the Church must be a prophetic voice in the face of growing social inequality and global crises. "The option for the poor is non-negotiable," said Cardinal Aveline. They shared concrete projects from their dioceses, such as support for the homeless and the integration of migrants.
Biblical Foundation: Love of Neighbor and Justice
The discussion on social responsibility led to a reflection on biblical texts.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34, NIV)This word of Jesus was for both bishops an ongoing commitment to work for justice and peace.
Global Dimension: Peace in Europe and the World
The exchange also covered current conflict hotspots in the Middle East and several African countries. The bishops underscored Europe's special responsibility for peace. "Europe must not only be an economic space but must become a community of peace," Cardinal Aveline emphasized. Wilmer added that the Church can play a bridging role in this regard by fostering dialogue between different cultures and religions.
In this context, the bishops remembered the murdered monks of Tibhirine and the martyrs of Algeria, who gave witness to reconciliation and nonviolent resistance. Their death is a reminder that the struggle for peace often comes at a high cost.
Joint Worship: Commemoration of Liberation and Prayer for the Pope
On May 8, Bishop Wilmer and Cardinal Aveline celebrated a joint Mass in Hildesheim. During the service, they commemorated the day of the liberation of France, Germany, and Europe from Nazi rule. "The memory of liberation is a call to be vigilant against any form of totalitarianism and injustice," Wilmer said in his homily.
Another important moment was the prayer for Pope Leo XIV, who was elected head of the Catholic Church a year ago. The bishops asked for God's blessing on his ministry and his efforts for the unity of the Church.
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