The German Bishops' Conference is electing a new chairman to succeed Bishop Georg Bätzing, who is not seeking re-election after a six-year term. Bätzing is credited with guiding the "Synodal Path" reform process and advocating for reforms like the diaconate for women, though his approach sometimes caused friction with both conservative bishops and some reform proponents. He also took a firm stance against far-right political parties. However, he failed to bridge the internal divisions within the conference, with a minority of bishops resisting reform efforts. The new chairman will face the challenge of building bridges, addressing structural and theological reforms, and continuing the work on the abuse scandal, all while maintaining close coordination with the Vatican to counter internal resistance. Several potential candidates are being discussed, including Archbishops Udo Bentz and Heiner Wilmer, Bishop Stefan Ackermann, and Bishops Franz Jung and Peter Kohlgraf.