With Papal Postmortem: The German Bishops Are At It—Again…

Out of respect for the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and to pray for his soul, I refrained from commenting on his papacy until after the allotted nine days of mourning. However, that refrain does not apply to living bishops—especially certain ones who used the pope’s passing to publish guidelines in direct opposition to his directives. I refer here to the German Bishops’ Conference and their recent release (two days after Pope Francis’ death, though prepared well in advance) of the document: Blessing Gives Strength to Love (BGSL).

Below, I cite this new document, which contains guidelines to bless couples in irregular relationships—not merely individuals—in direct opposition to Church teaching, particularly 2023’s Fiducia Supplicans (FS).

The Timing

Resolution of the Whole Conference [of German Bishops], April 4, 2025 [released April 23]

As previously stated, the German bishops prepared these new guidelines long before Pope Francis’ death but chose to release them a few days after it. Releasing the document on April 4th, even given the pope’s weakened state, would have drawn a direct and scathing rebuke. Now, with the Chair of St. Peter vacant, the German bishops make it clear they care little for papal authority and intend to continue charting their own course. This move also means that the next pope must address this situation immediately.

The New “Guidelines”

First, let’s revisit the clear instructions laid out by FS regarding liturgies and ceremonies involving blessings for individuals (not couples) in irregular relationships. Section 39 of FS states:

In any case, precisely to avoid any form of confusion or scandal, when the prayer of blessing is requested by a couple in an irregular situation, even though it is expressed outside the rites prescribed by the liturgical books, this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them. Nor can it be performed with any clothing, gestures, or words that are proper to a wedding. The same applies when the blessing is requested by a same-sex couple. [emphasis added]

Moreover, Section 35 instructs that all blessings ought to occur spontaneously:

Therefore, the pastoral sensibility of ordained ministers should also be formed to perform blessings spontaneously that are not found in the Book of Blessings. [emphasis added]

Ignoring this call to avoid confusion and scandal, BGSL advises German pastors to do just the opposite:

In order to encourage the couple in this hope, everyone involved in the blessing should participate, in cooperation with the leader, through acclamation, prayer, and singing. [emphasis added]

And:

The blessing requires joint consideration, taking into account the wishes and concerns of the couple regarding the setting and appropriate arrangements, and incorporating these in a theologically meaningful way. The greater spontaneity and freedom of these blessings should be combined with careful preparation. [emphasis added]

Finally:

The manner in which the blessing is conducted, the location, the overall aesthetic, including music and singing, should reflect the appreciation of the people asking for the blessing, their togetherness, and their faith.

Words from the Holy Scriptures make clear the connection between God’s saving action and blessing. Biblical texts appropriate to the situation should therefore be recited during the blessing and interpreted if necessary. [emphasis added]

A Catholic Liturgy or Ceremony…

What elements typically define a Catholic liturgy or ceremony? Acclamation? Yes. Prayers and singing? Yes. Careful preparation? Yes. Reading and reflecting on biblical texts? Another yes. BGSL clearly contradicts FS’s directive to avoid confusion by creating ceremonies that closely resemble Catholic liturgies, rather than encouraging spontaneous blessings.

Final Thoughts…

The German Bishops’ Conference should be ashamed. Using Pope Francis’ death to advance their agenda reflects a level of underhandedness that brings shame to the Body of Christ. Now is a time for mourning, not maneuvering. I pray that the next pope rebukes this unruly group of malcontent bishops.

Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis

We pray for the soul of Pope Francis. Grant him eternal rest, and let the perpetual light of Your face shine upon him. May he find peace in Your loving embrace.