Personal and community estimate of the state of the Catholic Church in Germany: from today to November 20, the bishops of the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) are visiting Pope Francis “ad limina apostolorum”. Following canonical right, every bishop shall go to the Vatican every 5 years: however, the latest DBK visit in its entirety was long ago, 9 years ago, a period during which the Church was involved in important events. The latest meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI, one year after his election. Every year, several hundreds of bishops from all over the world visit the Vatican ad limina. German bishops will meet at least two times with Pope Francis, in assemblies (several groups) as well as personally; they will also take part in the community Mass with the Holy Father. Depending on their duties within the German Bishops’ Conference, the bishops will also meet prefects of congregations and presidents of pontifical councils at the Vatican. Moreover, these dates include celebration of two masses at the tombs of apostles Peter and Paul in the Vatican Grottoes, and at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Tuesday, 17 November, the bishops will also be received by the German Ambassador at the Vatican, Annette Schavan.