Is German Catholicism’s global influence waning?

Germany has dominated the headlines in 2023. But is it paradoxically starting to lose its sway?

The Catholic Church in Germany has dominated the headlines so far in 2023, thanks to its controversial “synodal way,” which concluded this month with endorsements of same-sex blessings, women deacons, and “gender diversity.”

Measured by international media attention alone, German Catholicism would appear to be a commanding presence on the world stage, pi…