Significant Push for Woelki's Ouster: Over 60,000 Voices Demand Cardinal's Removal
Signatories rally for Woelki's exit, surpassing 55,000 petitions - Numerous signatures amassed for the ousting of Woelkis
💡 The petition to oust Cologne Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, led by a Munich priest, has garnered a staggering 60,130 signatures as of early June 2025, pointing towards a growing wave of discontent towards the Cardinal.
The online petition, aimed at Pope Leo XIV, questions Woelki's integrity and competence, largely due to his handling of sexual abuse allegations within the Church. The core of the controversy revolves around Woelki's knowledge of these accusations and his alleged failure to take appropriate action.
Investigations by the Cologne Public Prosecutor's Office led to the discontinuation of proceedings after Woelki paid a fine of €26,000 (approximately $29,700). However, the Public Prosecutor's Office did highlight that there was enough evidence to warrant charges of negligent false oath and negligent false statement against Woelki.
💡 One of the petition's initiators, Thomas Schüller, a canon lawyer from Münster, expressed surprise at the strong response from the public. "Many from the Archdiocese of Cologne have given up fighting, have withdrawn resignedly or left the church," Schüller told the German Press Agency. "What is now mobilizing many people anew is that Woelki interprets the investigation results as an unconditional acquittal for himself."
The signatories of the petition unequivocally describe Woelki as "morally completely corrupt," citing his handling of the sexual abuse cases as evidence. They urge Pope Leo XIV to act swiftly and relieve the Archdiocese of Cologne and the Catholic Church in Germany of Woelki's leadership.
Woelki, on the other hand, remains resolute, with the Archdiocese issuing a statement suggesting that the end of the proceedings marks a new chapter for him. "He would like to now dedicate himself with all his strength and together with the believers to the future themes of the Archdiocese of Cologne," the statement reads.
The ongoing controversy represents a significant challenge for the Catholic Church in Germany, adding to the mounting pressure for greater accountability and transparency within Church leadership. The tug-of-war between the public opinion and the Church hierarchy continues, with many hoping for a resolution that will bring about a much-needed change.
- The petition, targeting Pope Leo XIV, has drawn attention from EC countries, particularly Germany, as it calls for the removal of Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki over his handling of sexual abuse cases within the Church, highlighting the need for a change in employment policy within the Church to ensure accountability and transparency.
- The controversy surrounding Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki's handling of sexual abuse cases within the Church, along with allegations of negligence in issuing false oaths and statements, has raised concerns not only within the general-news sphere but also in the finance and business sectors, as the ongoing disagreement could potentially impact Church finances and public trust.
