Overview

• Julia Klöckner clarified her stance on church involvement in politics during Pope Leo XIV's inauguration in Rome, emphasizing she did not oppose political engagement by churches.
• She reiterated that churches should transcend day-to-day political commentary to offer lasting spiritual and moral orientation.
• Her remarks come after mid-April comments cautioning against frequent church commentary on daily politics were widely interpreted as a call for withdrawal, sparking backlash.
• Klöckner highlighted the sharp decline in church membership in Germany, urging churches to reflect on why their influence has waned and to seize opportunities to provide societal guidance.
• Critics argue her call for an 'übergeordnete Relevanz' remains vague, leaving questions about how churches should balance political advocacy with their spiritual mission.