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Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki speaks a prayer of consecration for Russia and Ukraine in Cologne Cathedral (March 25, 2022)
Photo: Henning Kaiser / dpa
The Cologne Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki has promoted in his most important advisory body for a common new beginning in the largest German diocese.
He wanted to remain archbishop, but put his fate in the hands of the pope, said Woelki at the non-public meeting of the diocesan pastoral council on Friday evening and Saturday in Düsseldorf.
Woelki caused irritation among several of the approximately 60 members of the committee present with statements about Pope Francis.
Several members of the German Press Agency reported that he had described the Pope as "old" and "out of touch with reality".
A spokesman for the archdiocese said that although Woelki used the phrase "old man" for the 85-year-old pope, this was in no way meant to be disrespectful.
One of the participants said about Woelki: »We experienced an honest, authentic bishop.«
jso/dpa