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Auxiliary Bishop Woelki faces "probationary period"

2021-11-27T13:35:51.228Z


"Clear, unadorned feedback" to the Vatican: The controversial Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki is to return to his office on a trial basis in March - under the observation of the Catholic Church.


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Rainer Maria Woelki: Cardinal on probation from March

Photo: ARMANDO BABANI / EPA-EFE

As the diocese administrator of the Archdiocese of Cologne, Auxiliary Bishop Rolf Steinhäuser considers the future of Cardinal Rainer Woelki at the head of the Archdiocese to be open.

In fact, after Woelki's four-month leave of absence - it will apply until the beginning of March 2022 - there will be a »trial period«, Steinhäuser said in an interview with four regional newspapers.

"If things go well in the way I want them to do, there will be a lot of people who will clearly state what we need and where we are." After that, it will be clear what opportunities the people give Woelki.

"They either go along with it again, resign, revolt or go into delusion," said Steinhäuser. The so-called Apostolic Administrator announced "clear, unadorned feedback" to the Vatican. The report could well state that he does not see a common future for Woelki in the archbishopric, explained Steinhäuser. “I have to describe the situation as I then perceive it. I owe this openness to myself. "

As administrator, Steinhäuser has been responsible for the management of the largest German diocese from mid-October to March 1, 2022. The controversial Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki from Cologne is currently on a “spiritual break”. The Vatican had attested Woelki errors, but defended him against the accusation of having covered up deficits in the processing of cases of sexual abuse by priests. Woelki stayed in office and wants to return after the break.

Steinhäuser expressed himself in an interview that the newspapers "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger", "Kölnische Rundschau", "Rheinische Post" and "General-Anzeiger" conducted together for their Saturday editions.

The current mood in the archbishopric, with a flood of resignations, he described as "taking a breath".

The conflicts have not been resolved, but there is now a good basis for discussion.

With a view to the upcoming Christmas services, he spoke out in favor of enabling the unvaccinated and untested to participate.

"Christmas masses for the unvaccinated" are conceivable.

“We're trying to find a way that anyone can come, even if he or she hasn't been vaccinated, has recovered, or has been tested.

Unless the state regulations forbid us to do so. "

cbu

Source: spiegel

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