In a letter addressed to the German Bishops' Conference, the Vatican has made it clear that discussions on women's ordination and changes to Church teaching on homosexuality will not be allowed during upcoming meetings with delegates of the German Synodal Way in Rome. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, wrote the letter, dated October 23, warning of potential disciplinary consequences for any defiance of Church teachings.

The authenticity of the letter was verified by CNA Deutsch, the German-language news partner of Catholic News Agency. The newspaper Tagespost subsequently published the letter in full on November 25.

The Vatican's intervention comes amidst ongoing discussions between German bishops and representatives of the Roman Curia on the German Synodal Way. The talks, which began in July and are scheduled to continue in January, April, and July 2024, are focused on various aspects including ecclesiology, anthropology, morality, and liturgy. However, the Vatican's letter emphasized the necessity of respecting the ongoing universal Synod on Synodality, convened by Pope Francis.

A key point of contention has been the German Synodal Way's resolution to advocate for the ordination of women. The Vatican's letter reiterated the teachings of both Pope Francis and St. John Paul II, stating that the Church has no authority to confer priestly ordination on women. It also warned of disciplinary consequences, including potential excommunication, for those who defy this doctrine.

Similarly, the Vatican's letter reiterated that the Church's stance on homosexual acts cannot be altered at the local level. While acknowledging the importance of not judging individuals, the letter emphasized that the objective morality of these acts remains unchanged.

The Vatican's note also referenced Pope Francis' 2019 letter to Catholics in Germany, in which he cautioned against adopting a worldly and anti-evangelical spirit. The Pope has previously expressed deep concerns about the German Synodal Way, calling it "elitist" and "neither helpful nor serious."

In a recent letter dated November 10, the Pope further expressed apprehension over the German segment's push to establish a permanent "Synodal Council" to govern the Catholic Church in Germany. Instead, he highlighted the need for prayer, penance, and adoration as an alternative approach.

The reaction of German bishops and participants of the Synodal Way to this latest intervention from the Vatican will shed light on their willingness to align with the Pope's appeals.

As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the German Synodal Way will proceed in light of the Vatican's reminder of the Church's teachings and disciplinary consequences for defiance.