Overview
- German bishops chose the Hildesheim prelate in a secret ballot at their spring assembly in Würzburg, succeeding Georg Bätzing, who declined a second term.
- Wilmer, 64, is viewed as a moderate reformer and bridge‑builder with strong Roman contacts, having served as global leader of the Sacred Heart (Dehonian) order and speaking multiple languages.
- He supports the Synodal Way and has led the conference’s commission for social and societal issues, where he has spoken on democracy, the welfare state and climate policy.
- In first remarks he stressed a spiritual focus on putting God at the center, cited the war in Ukraine, endorsed synodality, and avoided new specifics on contested issues such as women’s roles.
- Key challenges include mending internal rifts, advancing abuse accountability and lay participation, stabilizing membership, and easing tensions with the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV.