Rainer Woelki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Rainer Maria Woelki |
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| Cardinal Archbishop of Cologne |
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Woelki in 2019
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Cologne |
| Province | Cologne |
| Appointed | 11 July 2014 |
| Enthroned | 20 September 2014 |
| Predecessor | Joachim Meisner |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Priest of San Giovanni Maria Vianney (2012–) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 14 June 1985 |
| Consecration | 30 March 2003 by Joachim Meisner |
| Created Cardinal | 18 February 2012 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Priest |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Rainer Maria Woelki |
| Born | 18 August 1956 Köln-Mülheim, Cologne, West Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Previous post |
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| Alma mater | University of Bonn |
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| Coat of arms | .svg) |
| Styles of Rainer Woelki |
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| Reference style | His Eminence |
| Spoken style | Your Eminence |
| Informal style | Cardinal |
Rainer Maria Woelki was born on August 18, 1956. He is a German Cardinal in the Catholic Church. Since September 20, 2014, he has been the Archbishop of Cologne. Before this, he served as the Archbishop of Berlin.
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Early Life and Church Career
Rainer Maria Woelki was born in Cologne, Germany. His parents had moved there after the Second World War. He studied philosophy and theology at the University of Bonn and in Freiburg im Breisgau. On June 14, 1985, he became a priest for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cologne.
First Roles as a Priest
From 1985 to 1989, he worked as an assistant priest at St Mary's Parish in Neuss. For a short time in 1989, he was a military chaplain in Münster. In 1990, he became the private secretary to the Archbishop of Cologne.
Further Studies and Leadership
From 1997 to 2011, Woelki was the director of the "Collegium Albertinum." This was a place where future priests of the archdiocese lived while studying at the University of Bonn. In 1999, Pope John Paul II gave him the title of Monsignor. In 2000, he earned a special degree in theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. His studies focused on the role of local churches.
Becoming a Bishop
On February 24, 2003, Pope John Paul II named him an Auxiliary Bishop for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cologne. He was officially made a bishop on March 30, 2003, by Cardinal Joachim Meisner. For his motto, he chose "Nos sumus testes", which means "We are witnesses." This comes from a Bible verse in the book of Acts.
As an auxiliary bishop, he was in charge of the northern part of the archdiocese. This area included the cities of Düsseldorf and Wuppertal. He also helped with matters of faith and working with other Christian groups. He was a member of a group within the German Bishops' Conference that focused on church ministries and culture. He also advised the Holy See on Catholic education.
Archbishop of Berlin
On July 2, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI chose Woelki to be the new Archbishop of Berlin. This happened shortly after the previous archbishop, Cardinal Georg Sterzinsky, passed away.
Views and Installation
Some people in Germany questioned his views on certain topics. Woelki stated that he respects all people, no matter their background. He said, "The Church is not a moral institution that goes around pointing its finger at people." He added that the Church helps people find happiness in life.
He officially became the Archbishop of Berlin on August 27, 2011. One of his first big tasks was to get ready for Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Berlin in September 2011. This was the Pope's first official visit to Germany.
Becoming a Cardinal
On January 6, 2012, the Vatican announced that Woelki would become a cardinal. He was made a Cardinal-Priest on February 18, 2012. At that time, he was the youngest member of the College of Cardinals. As a cardinal, he could vote in future elections for a new Pope. He also became a member of the Congregation for Catholic Education.
In December 2012, Cardinal Woelki announced some changes for the churches in his archdiocese. He explained that the archdiocese's money situation had improved. He also noted that the number of church members was expected to decrease by 2030. Because of this, Catholic schools, hospitals, and other centers would also be reorganized.
He was one of the cardinals who voted in the 2013 papal conclave. This was the election that chose Pope Francis as the new Pope.
Archbishop of Cologne
On July 11, 2014, it was announced that Woelki would become the new Archbishop of Cologne. He took over from Joachim Meisner. Becoming the Archbishop of Cologne involves a special process. The leading priests of the archdiocese suggest candidates. The Pope then reviews the list. Finally, the priests choose the new archbishop from the approved list. The government also needs to confirm the appointment.
He was officially installed as the Archbishop of Cologne on September 20, 2014.
In October 2016, Pope Francis appointed him to a group called the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. This group helps guide how Catholic worship services are held.
Church Teachings and Modern World
In April 2018, Woelki and other bishops asked the Vatican for guidance. This was about a proposal in Germany to allow Protestant spouses of Catholics to receive Holy Communion. The Vatican later said that this change could not be made by the German bishops alone.
In 2019, Woelki spoke about how the Church's teachings relate to the modern world. He said that the Church stands for truths that do not change over time. He also said that the Church should not be forced to change its beliefs if those changes go against the spirit of the Gospel. He pointed out that other Christian groups that have made many changes are not necessarily doing better. He believes the main challenge for Christianity is a crisis of faith, not a need to adapt to new lifestyles.
In 2023, Cardinal Woelki was one of four German bishops who voted against funding a committee. This committee was working to create a new council to oversee the Church in Germany.
Images for kids
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Woelki in 2019
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Coat of arms of Rainer Maria Woelki
See also
In Spanish: Rainer Maria Woelki para niños
