After examining the results of the Pontifical Inspectors regarding the handling of sexual assault cases in the Archdiocese of Cologne, Germany, the Pope accepted Card Volki’s request for a temporary suspension of work.
(Vatican News Network)Pope Francis accepted the request of Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Archbishop of Cologne, Germany, from mid-October to the beginning of Lent next year, to spend “a period of spiritual practice outside the parish”. The Pope reiterated his continued trust in Card Volki. The announcement of the Holy See’s embassy in Germany that published the above news was announced to the outside world by the Archdiocese of Cologne and the German Bishops’ Conference.
The announcement stated that the Pope made this decision after “carefully considering” the results of the Pontifical Inspection of the Archdiocese of Cologne. From June 7 to 14 this year, Cardinal Anders Aborelius, Archbishop of Stockholm, and Johannes van den Hende, Bishop of Rottdamm, Netherlands, were in the Archdiocese of Cologne and sexually assaulted the diocese. The complicated pastoral situation changed by the problem was inspected by the apostle.
Regarding Card Volkey, the announcement stated that “he did not violate the law in handling sexual assault cases”. The documents reviewed by the Holy See and the facts presented during the period refute the allegations that the cardinals cover up such cases. On the contrary, “the archbishop bravely responded to the crime of sexual assault, took care of the victims, and promoted measures to prevent sexual assault.” The announcement pointed out that in the overall handling of the problem, especially at the communication level, Cardinal Volki also made a big mistake. This is the main reason for the crisis of confidence in the archdiocese.
Pope Francis received Cardinal Volki last week and had a long conversation with him. The announcement of the Holy See’s embassy stated that “the Father trusts Cardinal Volki” and “praises his loyalty to the Holy See and his efforts to unite the Church. At the same time, it is obvious that the Archbishop and the President The diocese needs to postpone work and need a period of renewal and reconciliation.” Therefore, it was decided that Card Volki would spend some time outside the parish. Before the cardinal returns, the Archdiocese of Cologne will be taken care of by the assistant bishop Rolf Steinhäuser as the apostle.
In addition, the Pope reviewed the report of the Pontifical Inspector and decided not to accept the resignation of the two auxiliary bishops of Cologne, Dominikus Schwaderlapp and Ansgar Puff. The announcement from the Holy See’s Embassy stated that although the two had management deficiencies, they had no intention of covering up the sexual assault or ignoring the victims. For this reason, Bishop Puff will resume his office immediately, and Bishop Schwadrap requested and obtained the Pope’s permission to go to the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya for a year of pastoral ministry before resuming his duties in the Archdiocese of Cologne. Work.
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