His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received on Friday, December 12, 2025, the Ambassador of Germany to Romania, H.E. Angela Ganninger, for an introductory visit at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest.
The ambassador was accompanied by Theresa von Saldern, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the German Embassy in Bucharest.
Patriarch Daniel welcomed Ambassador Ganninger to the Romanian Patriarchate and praised her extensive diplomatic experience.
His Beatitude also highlighted the excellent cooperative relations between Romania and Germany, pointing to the dynamism of the Romanian diaspora, particularly the large number of Romanian students and doctors working in German educational institutions and the healthcare system.
At the same time, the Patriarch expressed his appreciation for the openness shown in Germany toward Romanian Orthodox clergy and faithful, noting the significant number of Romanian Orthodox parishes established across the country.
Patriarch Daniel further recalled that an official theological and practical dialogue has been underway for approximately 45 years between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical Church in Germany.
For her part, Ambassador Angela Ganninger expressed gratitude for the reception and underlined the special role played by the Romanian Orthodox Church in Romanian society.
She also noted that discussions are currently taking place in Germany regarding the introduction of Romanian language classes in schools for Romanian pupils, aimed at strengthening their knowledge of their mother tongue and cultural heritage.
During the meeting, the armed conflict in Ukraine was also discussed, with both sides expressing hope that the war would soon come to an end and that a just, secure and lasting peace would be restored.
In closing, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel wished the ambassador success at the start of her diplomatic mission in Bucharest.
Department for External Church Relations
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Luigi Ivanciu