Katholikentag Draws Crowds in Würzburg

In Würzburg, Germany, the Catholic Church’s “Katholikentag” event currently hosts a diverse array of groups and attendees along the Main river. The event features a large figure of Martin Luther and representatives from organizations founded during the Reformation. Astrid Kleist of the Lutheran World Federation says being Lutheran means embracing ecumenism and strengthening shared values.

The “church mile” includes pavilions from groups as varied as the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and local Franconian farmers. The German Bishops’ Conference’s victim support group also maintains a presence, born from the fallout of abuse scandals. Many religious orders send younger members to the event, despite facing declining numbers and closures.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife visited the event amidst mixed weather. A cardboard Pope Leo XIV offers photo opportunities, and discussions about Catholic Church reform continue at the “Wir sind Kirche” stand. Organizers still face the ongoing challenge of attracting new members to religious communities.