Raid on the Archdiocese of Cologne, Germany, by Public Prosecutor's Office after Accusations against Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki
In the Archdiocese of Cologne, Germany, the public prosecutor's office and the police have been conducting a raid on various objects in the Archdiocese of Cologne since the early hours of the morning of June 27th. According to media reports, the background to the events may be the perjury investigations against Cologne Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki. (Kath.net) The Vatican conducted an Apostolic Visitation of the Archdiocese in 2021 but concluded that the Cardinal did not violate Canon law. "The Vatican has attested that the archbishop of Cologne did not violate canon law in connection with the financing of reports and communication advice on dealing with abuse."
The Cardinal, however, did submit his resignation to Pope Francis which, he has yet to accept or decline.
The Archdiocese of Cologne (Koln) Released the following:
The Cologne public prosecutor's office searched the business premises of the Archdiocese of Cologne today. By looking at the business documents and e-mails of the Archdiocese, it should be determined whether the accusation made against Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of having committed a testimony offense can be proven or, on the contrary, refuted.
Experience has shown that it will take a long time before the result is available. Until then, we ask the public not to use an open-ended investigation as an opportunity to express prejudice.
Experience has shown that it will take a long time before the result is available. Until then, we ask the public not to use an open-ended investigation as an opportunity to express prejudice.
The Archdiocese also Released the Public Prosecutor's Statement:
In the proceedings at the Cologne public prosecutor's office under file number 121 Js 945/22, in which the investigations into the archbishop of Cologne Rainer
Maria Cardinal Woelki allegations of the
false affidavit (§ 156 StGB) and perjury (§ 154 StGB)
have been brought together in several civil disputes conducted by the accused on the plaintiff's side are now investigative judge search warrants
been enforced.
Since 8:00 a.m., searches have been carried out at a total of six locations, four of them in Cologne and one each one in Kassel and Lohfelden, the premises of the Vicariate General, the official office and the Archbishop's House as well as the business premises of the EDP service provider who manages e-mail traffic in the Archdiocese of Cologne. The measures were taken without incident and were largely effective at the respective search locations on cooperation.
The aim of the measures was to secure written documents and the survey
the intradiocesan communication on the events, in their context
the statements made by the accused that were shown to be untrue. The evaluation and assessment of the evidence seized will take a considerable amount of time take.
Around thirty police officers were involved in the measures
four public prosecutors involved.
It is pointed out that the measures are based on the elucidation of a merely initial suspicion and in this respect on the determination of both incriminating and also address exculpatory circumstances. Claimed at this stage of the proceedings the presumption of innocence, which has to be observed in criminal proceedings anyway until a final court judgment has been reached, applies to a very special degree. To avoid
Corresponding misinterpretations are also explicitly pointed out that dem
Did not in any way allege the active or even passive cover-up of or
even involvement in acts of abuse is charged.
In view of the status of the proceedings and the legal implications of the case, no further information can be given at this time.
Willuhn
Chief Prosecutor
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