Overview

• The petition urges Pope Leo XIV to remove Cologne’s Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki amid criticism of his handling of clerical abuse cases.
• Launched on May 26 by Munich priest Wolfgang F. Rothe and endorsed by Reformbewegung Maria 2.0 and Wir sind Kirche figures, the appeal has exceeded 55,000 signatures.
• Prosecutors had investigated Woelki for possible false statements in two abuse trials and dropped charges when he paid €26,000 to a charitable institution.
• Organizers contend that the financial settlement and legal doubts have left Woelki morally compromised and unfit to lead the archdiocese.
• The Archdiocese of Cologne maintains the settlement represents a definitive end to the probe and says the cardinal will now focus on future diocesan priorities.