Heiner Wilmer, the Bishop of Hildesheim, has been elected as the new chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, succeeding Georg Bätzing of Limburg. The decision came during the bishops' spring assembly held in Würzburg, where Wilmer, a 64-year-old cleric from Emsland, was selected as a mediator known for promoting dialogue between conservative and reformist factions within the church. Since 2018, Wilmer has led the Diocese of Hildesheim and has gained national recognition for his social and political statements regarding democracy, welfare state issues, and climate protection.

Having joined the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart at the age of 19, Wilmer pursued theology and humanities studies in Freiburg, Paris, and Rome before eventually becoming a doctor of theology. His diverse background includes teaching in the Bronx, New York, and later heading a school in Handrup, Emsland, evidencing his commitment to education and social issues. His election as chair of the Bishops' Conference reflects not only his leadership abilities but also a potential shift towards a more collaborative approach in addressing contemporary issues faced by the Catholic community in Germany.

As the new head of the Bishops' Conference, Wilmer's role will involve guiding discussions on critical issues affecting the church and society at large. His previously held position as head of the Commission for Social and Societal Issues within the Conference suggests a focus on integrating social justice into church policy. With growing challenges from secularism and societal changes, his leadership is poised to influence both the internal dynamics of the church and its interaction with the wider public on pressing ethical and moral questions.