VALLENDAR, Germany — On the occasion of the annual gathering of the German Conference of the Superiors of Religious Orders (Deutsche Ordensobernkonferenz), Francesco Pappalardo and Agustìn Dìaz Herrero, members of the Commission staff, were invited to participate in the event, which brought together nearly 200 representatives from the almost 400 religious institutes represented by the Conference.

The gathering included sessions on the role of the Holy Spirit in consecrated life, as well as the election of the Conference’s leadership. The Commission welcomed the re-election of Brother Andreas Murk, OFMConv, as President of the Conference, and the election of Sr. Katharina Hemmers, OP, as Vice-President.

During the visit, the Commission held meetings with the leadership of the Conference to discuss safeguarding initiatives and the Conference’s inclusion in the Commission’s Third Annual Report, scheduled for publication in October 2026. The Commission expressed gratitude for the Conference’s continued collaboration and engagement, including its contribution during the synodal phase of the Annual Report process.

Further discussions were held with Br. Andreas, Dr. Hubert Wissing, Secretary General, Dr. Martina Koess, the Conference’s Safeguarding Officer, and Dr. Arnulf Salmen, Press Spokesperson, regarding the planned accompaniment in the months leading up to the publication of the Annual Report, particularly in the areas of communications and public relations.

The Commission also renewed its invitation for the Conference to participate in the workshop “Called to Communion, Care and Justice: Mutual Relations for a Shared Mission”, dedicated to safeguarding in consecrated life, which will take place in Rome from 9 to 11 December 2026 (registration currently open).

On the closing day of the gathering, the Commission delivered a presentation on its history, mandate and daily work. Particular attention was given to the Commission’s three pillars of action, with emphasis on the Annual Report as a central instrument of truth-telling and accountability. The Deutsche Ordensobernkonferenz will be the first Conference of Religious to be featured in the Commission’s Annual Report.