Heiner Wilmer, the Bishop of Hildesheim, has been elected as the new Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, following the decision of Georg Bätzing not to seek a second term. Wilmer, who has experience teaching in the Bronx, New York, is known for his connections with the Vatican and is viewed as a significant figure within the church. He has been Bishop of Hildesheim since 2018 and was considered a strong candidate for this leadership role from the outset.

The role of the Chairman of the Bishops' Conference is primarily that of a spokesperson for the bishops rather than a position of authority over them, making it a unique form of leadership within the Catholic Church. On the same day, Beate Gilles was re-elected as the General Secretary of the conference, highlighting continuity in the church's administrative functions. The Bishops' Conference plays an essential role in guiding Catholic Church policies and responses to contemporary issues in Germany.

Wilmer supports the "Synodal Path," which seeks to address various reform issues within the church; however, he tends to maintain a low profile in ecclesiastical debates, suggesting a measured approach to his new responsibilities. This election could signal potential shifts in the church's direction under his leadership, especially regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding modernizing the church's practices and policies in Germany.