Cologne Prosecutor Concludes Investigation into Cardinal Woelki

Tue 27th May, 2025

Cologne, Germany - The Cologne Public Prosecutor's Office has officially closed its investigation into Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, following his payment of a EUR26,000 fine to a charitable organization. This decision comes despite the prosecutor's indication that there was sufficient evidence to suggest Woelki may have negligently submitted a false affidavit and provided incorrect testimony during legal proceedings he initiated against a media outlet.

Oberstaatsanwalt Ulrich Bremer stated that, based on preliminary assessments of the evidence, a conviction would have been likely had the case proceeded to trial. The decision to refrain from prosecution was influenced by Woelki's previously clean legal record.

The investigation, which spanned over two and a half years, centered on when Woelki was first made aware of allegations of abuse against clergy members. The findings revealed that Woelki had made inaccurate statements, but these were deemed negligent rather than intentional. Specifically, during a court appearance in 2023, he provided testimony characterized as 'objectively untrue.'

A statement from Woelki's archdiocese asserted his innocence, claiming he did not lie and had not committed perjury. Nevertheless, the prosecutor's office noted that the investigation had uncovered significant evidence suggesting Woelki's misstatements in civil proceedings related to press rights.

In light of the investigation's outcomes, several prominent figures within the Catholic Church have petitioned Pope Leo XIV to consider Woelki's removal from his position. The letter, signed by notable church personalities, expressed concerns that Woelki's credibility has been severely compromised, making him ineffective in his role. They described him as 'a shepherd without a flock,' emphasizing his isolation within both the Archdiocese of Cologne and the broader German Catholic community.

The fallout from this investigation continues to reverberate through the church, as Woelki faces scrutiny not only from the public but also from within ecclesiastical circles. The implications of these findings pose significant challenges for his leadership and the church's governance moving forward.


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