Overview

• Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki stated in an ARD interview that he is 'in harmony' with Pope Francis, affirming their reconciliation.
• In 2021, Pope Francis criticized Woelki's communication failures in addressing sexual abuse cases, leading to a five-month leave and a request for his resignation.
• Francis never acted on Woelki's resignation request, leaving the Archdiocese of Cologne in prolonged uncertainty.
• Woelki shared that in subsequent meetings, Francis encouraged him to continue his work, expressing full support for him as a leader.
• The reconciliation comes shortly before Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday 2025, marking closure to their years-long conflict.