(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, FEBRUARY 11 - The leader of Germany's Catholics unexpectedly announced plans to step down from his role on Tuesday, as the Church grapples with a wide-ranging debate over reforms that sprung from a report into historic abuses. In a letter published by the German Bishops Conference, Cardinal Reinhard Marx told his fellow bishops he would not seek another term as head bishop when the assembly elects its chairman in March. "I think it is time to let the younger generation have their turn," Marx wrote, pointing out that he would be 72 by the time the next election comes around. "Perhaps it is good if this task changes hands more frequently in future." Marx said he would continue to actively support the Bishops Conference, especially with regard to the "synodal path" reform initiative. Launched on the back of a Church report into historic sexual abuse cases, the "synodal path" is a series of discussions on issues including an end to celibacy and a greater role for women in the Church. (ANSA-AFP).