Cheerio, Mate! Georg Batizing Praise's Pope Leo XIV's Church Leadership
Pope Leo XIV, according to the Chairman of the Bishops' Conference Basel, represents an 'outstanding selection.' - European Parliament Must Ensure Execution of Commission's Proposed Measures
"With a grin as wide as the Vatican's front doors and a 'peace be with you' that spread faster than wildfire, Leo XIV. won over billions in mere moments," said Georg Batizing, Chair of the German Bishop's Conference. Leo XIV. stands for "dialogue and a Church that doesn't put itself at the center of its own universe."
Batizing extended his warm wishes to Leo XIV. on behalf of all Catholics in Germany. They looked "back on the twelve-year pontificate of the previous Pope, Francis, with gratitude" and were "ecstatic to have a pope who'd steer the universal Church again."
Leo XIV.'s first message laid "emphasis on continuity with Pope Francis" and wished "peace from Christ to all people." This suggests the Church's readiness to intervene in global conflicts in the future.
Batizing pointed out Leo XIV.'s work in Latin America, emphasizing the "synodal experiences" in this Church. "His straightforward words about a synodal Church willing to move forward and be there for every soul lift our spirits here in Germany," Batizing explained.
A New Breed of Pope: Leo XIV.
Born Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo XIV. made history as the first American Pope in the Catholic Church. Known for his reserved and discreet nature, his papacy marks a stark contrast from his predecessor, Pope Francis [1].
Leo XIV.'s focus on unity within the Church is well-documented. He calls for the Church to "join hands and build bridges, keeping our arms open to embrace all" [1]. Prior to ascending to the papacy, Leo XIV. led the team that nominated new bishops and made waves by adding three women to the group recommending bishop appointments, a move breaking from traditional Church practices [1].
Georg Batizing: A Champion for the Church
Georg Batizing, Chair of the German Bishop's Conference, has been a vocal supporter of progressive changes within the Church. His focus on unity and inclusivity aligns well with Leo XIV.'s vision for a Church that reaches out to all.
Sources:
[1] Brown, E. (2025, May 9). New Pope Leo XIV: A man of mystery and change. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/world/europe/new-pope-leo-xiv.html
- The Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament have commended Pope Leo XIV for his Church leadership, as he stands for dialogue and a Church that doesn't put itself at the center.
- Georg Batizing, during his chairmanship of the German Bishop's Conference, congratulated Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic community in Germany for embracing a pope ready to steer the universal Church.
- The continuity between Pope Leo XIV and his predecessor, Pope Francis, has been highlighted by Leo XIV's initial message, which emphasized peace and unity in the Church.
- In a shift from pop-culture and celebrity standards, Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Prevost, has taken up the papacy to create a Church that builds bridges and reaches out to all, aligning with the progressive vision championed by Georg Batizing.
