German Cardinal Woelki Won't Be Prosecuted for False Statements on Abuse Allegations
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Politics
May 6, 2025 15:00
cologne, germany - German Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki will not face charges for perjury regarding abuse accusations by Catholic priests, as Cologne prosecutors found false statements were made out of negligence, not intent.
German Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki Cleared of Prosecution
Cologne prosecutors have announced that Cardinal Woelki will not be prosecuted for perjury in connection with allegations of abuse by Catholic priests. The investigation revealed that false statements were made due to negligence, not deliberate intent.
Financial Penalty and Vatican Involvement
Despite admitting to providing false information, Cardinal Woelki has been ordered to pay a fine of 26,000 euros to a charity organization. He is set to participate in the Vatican conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
Complaints were filed by individuals after Woelki claimed ignorance of the actions of priest Winfried Pilz (1940-2019), who was found to have sexually abused children for years.
The Vatican also conducted an investigation, which did not result in any sanctions against Cardinal Woelki.