According to the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK), the new framework document for priestly formation —Ratio Nationalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis— was approved on March 11 by the Dicastery for the Clergy and replaces the text in force since 2003.
The new regulation is inspired by the Ratio Fundamentalis approved in 2016 by Pope Francis and has been developed over several years by a working group of the German bishops’ conference itself.
The document defines priestly formation as an “integral, permanent, community, and missionary” process, in line with the current ecclesial approach promoted from Rome.
Among the main novelties, according to the bishops themselves, a more decentralized model is introduced, which combines seminary life with stays in parishes, as well as the joint training of future priests with other pastoral agents.
In addition, the need to develop what is called a “dialogical existence” is emphasized, placing emphasis not only on academic formation but also on the personal maturation of the candidate.
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