Elderly Nuns’ Unapproved Trip to Rome Sparks Concern and Controversy in Goldenstein

Three elderly canonesses travel to Rome without approval, raising concerns over safety, Church rules, and alleged external influence.

Newsroom (01/05/2026 Gaudium Press) Three Augustinian canonesses from Goldenstein have once again left their monastery under controversial circumstances, this time traveling to Rome without official permission and reportedly meeting Pope Leo. The journey, facilitated by a group of supporters, has prompted concern from Church authorities and raised questions about influence, communication, and adherence to ecclesiastical rules.

Harald Schiffl, spokesperson for Provost Markus Grasl, addressed the situation in an interview, expressing both relief for the sisters’ apparent experience in Rome and deep worry about the circumstances surrounding their departure. According to Schiffl, all three women are over 80 years old and require medical care, making the unapproved journey particularly worrying for Church leadership.

The trip was reportedly organized with the assistance of Vatican journalist Andreas Englisch and members of a support group. While images of the sisters in Rome, including reports of an emotional audience with the Pope, have circulated, Schiffl questioned the motivations behind the initiative. He suggested that the sisters may have been “used… for the self-interest of various individuals,” pointing to concerns that the situation may serve external agendas rather than the well-being of the nuns.

Central to the controversy is the lack of official authorization. Under the constitutions governing the Augustinian canonesses, such a journey requires approval from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Schiffl stated unequivocally that no such permission was granted, a claim he said was confirmed by the dicastery itself.

The sequence of events leading up to the trip has further deepened confusion. Just two weeks prior, the sisters had signed a letter explicitly stating they would not travel to Rome, citing incompatibility with their monastic way of life. Days later, they reportedly reaffirmed this decision in a phone call. Yet shortly afterward, a press release from Father Wolfgang Rothe—described by Schiffl as a “self-proclaimed spokesperson” for the support group—announced that the trip had been canceled. At the same time, the sisters were already en route to the airport.

Church officials say they remain unclear how this reversal occurred. Schiffl questioned why established procedures were not followed, particularly given that individuals involved were familiar with Church protocols. He also criticized what he described as a breakdown in communication, noting that both Provost Grasl and Archabbot Jakob Auer only learned of the travel through indirect channels, including an email from a lawyer.

Efforts to contact the sisters since their departure have reportedly failed. According to Schiffl, the nuns have been unreachable by phone since Tuesday, heightening concern among Church authorities responsible for their care. He emphasized that Archabbot Auer had previously maintained frequent and trusting communication with the sisters, making the sudden silence particularly troubling.

The incident comes at a sensitive time, as discussions regarding the sisters’ future in Goldenstein had been progressing toward a resolution. With Rome’s involvement, a framework had been developing to ensure the women could remain in the monastery with appropriate medical care while continuing their spiritual lives. Schiffl indicated that these talks were close to a successful conclusion before the current incident disrupted the process.

Despite the tensions, Church officials have not raised the prospect of sanctions. Schiffl stressed that the immediate priority is the sisters’ safe return. However, he acknowledged that the episode has caused significant damage to trust and may complicate future negotiations.

As of now, the timing of the sisters’ return remains unknown. Church representatives say they will seek clarification once contact is reestablished, emphasizing the need for patience and a renewed effort to resolve the situation collaboratively.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from https://katholisch.de/

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