Overview

• The Cologne public prosecutor's office has formally dropped its investigation into Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki after a two-and-a-half-year inquiry into false affidavit and perjury allegations.
• Prosecutors determined that Woelki made negligent false statements in 2022 and 2023 but lacked sufficient evidence to prove intentional wrongdoing.
• Key evidence included WhatsApp messages showing Woelki was aware of abuse allegations against a priest as early as 2019, contradicting his sworn statements from 2022.
• The case was conditionally closed after Woelki agreed to pay €26,000 to a charitable organization, a resolution approved by the Cologne Regional Court.
• Woelki, currently in Rome for the papal conclave, has denied all allegations and expressed relief at the case's conclusion.