Trend setter. Cardinal Archbishop of Cologne withdraws from Synod. Long interview

Cardinal Woelki explains withdrawal from the Synodal Path

"Fundamentally Different Understandings of Synodality"

After three years, the 6th Synodal Assembly is taking place this week. Cardinal Woelki is not participating. Nevertheless, he expresses respect for the work and goals of the body. He explains his understanding of synodality in this interview.

DOMRADIO.DE: The 6th Synodal Assembly of the Synodal Path is meeting in Stuttgart. It was scheduled three years after the last assembly to evaluate the reform process. You are not participating in this meeting. Why?

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki (Archbishop of Cologne): For me, the Synodal Path is complete. It was originally agreed that there would be five meetings, and I participated in those. During a meeting of the German Bishops' Conference, the idea of ​​evaluating the process was discussed again. I stated at the time, within the conference, that I would not participate because, for me, the Synodal Path had come to an end.

In my view, this body is also not tasked with evaluating what an individual local bishop or diocese has implemented from the Synodal Path's resolutions.

DOMRADIO.DE: You participated in and voted at the five Synodal Assemblies held so far. What is your overall assessment of this reform process?

Cardinal Woelki: I think that important issues were addressed there, such as the reckoning with sexual abuse. That was, after all, the actual starting point. Questions about the handling of power and responsibility were also addressed. That is absolutely right, and I am convinced that more needs to be done in this area. For the Archdiocese of Cologne, I already set a decisive course for this in 2023: Today, in my opinion, we have the most modern and efficient administrative organization compared to all other German dioceses. In a major reorganization, responsibility—you could also say power—has been divided according to competencies: the Vicar General is responsible for pastoral care and strategy, the Director of Administration for the entire administration, and the Treasurer for finances and assets.

... But other important questions were not addressed during the Synodal Path, for example, the question of evangelization, which Pope Francis emphasized in his 2019 letter "to the Pilgrim People of God in Germany." I see this as a major shortcoming of these five plenary assemblies.

DOMRADIO.DE: So you certainly see value and successes in the Synodal Path. It wasn't all bad?

Cardinal Woelki: No. I would say that important topics were addressed and discussed, topics I support, and on which I therefore took decisive steps in the Archdiocese of Cologne even during the Synodal Path. Take the example of abuse, which—as I mentioned—was a key starting point for the Synodal Path: For me, alongside a thorough investigation, prevention is one of the most crucial issues, so that abuse is made as difficult as possible and, ideally, doesn't happen at all. Of course, we are investigating all cases thoroughly, structures have been adapted, and intervention efforts have been significantly strengthened with additional personnel. Above all, however, we have ensured that absolutely everyone who works for us or volunteers in every parish, school, and daycare center receives training in prevention and is sensitized to the issue.

The problem, for me, lies primarily in the way the work on the Synodal Path was structured. Synodality was not practiced in the sense that, from my perspective, Pope Francis—and now also Pope Leo—understand it, and as both repeatedly call for and practice it for the universal Church. I recently experienced this firsthand at the Consistory, the assembly of cardinals with the Pope in Rome.

DOMRADIO.DE: What does that mean? What would be a better way?

Cardinal Woelki: For me, synodality means listening carefully to one another; everyone can contribute their perspective. And above all: listening together to what the Holy Spirit tells us, deliberating and discerning together. Ultimately, however, the decision rests with the one who has been entrusted with the office and who, above all, must be committed to the faith of the Church – ideally unanimously, after truly listening to one another and to God.

Rainer Maria Cardinal Woelki

"For me, synodality means listening carefully to one another; everyone can contribute their perspective."

DOMRADIO.DE: As a consequence of the Synodal Path, the German Bishops' Conference and the Central Committee of German Catholics are now striving to establish a joint synodal body at the federal level, in which bishops and laypeople will make decisions together. The statutes of this so-called Synodal Conference still need to be approved by the bishops and the Vatican. Should the Holy See endorse it, would you then participate in this body?

Cardinal Woelki: We must wait and see what Rome actually says. We must also wait and see whether the Bishops' Conference, at its plenary assembly in February, will truly approve the statutes in their current form. Therefore, I do not wish to engage in speculation.

I can only say that I am accountable to my ordination vows. I promised to protect the faith of the Church and to walk the path in my diocese in unity with the Pope. I intend to continue to uphold this promise in the future.

DOMRADIO.DE: Please explain once again why you cannot support a Synodal conference of bishops and laypeople.

Cardinal Woelki: As Catholics, we live in a hierarchically and sacramentally structured Church. This isn't simply a question of organization, but a question of the very nature of the Church. And that is the foundation upon which we must embark on a shared synodal path. In this Church, the bishop ultimately holds the authority to make decisions for his diocese, an authority conferred upon him by Christ himself. Therefore, I struggle with the idea of ​​being part of a body in which 27 diocesan bishops, 27 members of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), and another 27 members yet to be elected deliberate and decide together. And that is ultimately what it's about, even if attempts are made to phrase it differently.

Let's be clear—I am very much in favour of participation. I am firmly convinced that we must pursue a path of synodal, but also missionary, renewal of the Church. In our diocese, we have established our committees synodally. We have transformed all conferences – from the Diocesan Pastoral Council to the Diocesan Conference of Priests and the Archbishop's Consultative Conference – into a synodal form of collaboration. In 2024, for example, we restructured the Diocesan Pastoral Council: many more women, young people, and committed individuals from our parishes bring the realities of life in our archdiocese to our deliberations. All of them receive spiritual guidance; we practice dialogue in the Holy Spirit and thus learn genuine synodal collaboration. And all this without calling into question the sacramental order of the Church.

Rainer Maria Cardinal Woelki

"What is discussed and proposed must be in harmony with the apostolic heritage and the faith of the Church."

DOMRADIO.DE: But the bishop, the Magisterium, still always has the final say. Do lay people then play no role at all in the decision-making process?

Cardinal Woelki: Quite the contrary! "For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian." We are on the path together, following Jesus. Together we live and realize our Christian faith. Therefore, we discuss together how we want to be and can be Church today – based on what we have understood and heard about Christ.

This is a communal journey. The bishop's task is then to implement what we have jointly recognized and make it the foundation of our Church life. But what is discussed and proposed must be in harmony with the apostolic heritage and the faith of the Church. That is crucial. Ensuring this is precisely the bishop's special responsibility.

DOMRADIO.DE: To be more specific: Why is it important to involve lay people in this process in a synodal manner?

Rainer Maria Cardinal Woelki

"We cannot vote on whether Jesus rose from the dead. If (...) I, as a bishop, had to accept that, it would be out of the question for me."

Cardinal Woelki: Because every baptized and confirmed Christian has a relationship with God and with Christ and bears responsibility as a member of the People of God. Everyone has rights and duties. All of this must be recognized and considered together.

The bishop's task is to ensure that this happens in communion with the Pope and the College of Bishops – in unity, in communio.

However, we cannot discuss everything without preconceived notions. To give a deliberately far-fetched example: We cannot vote on whether Jesus rose from the dead. If, in the end, a majority were to conclude that he did not, and I, as bishop, had to accept that, it would be out of the question for me.

DOMRADIO.DE: Does that mean that, for you, the problem with the Synodal Path is not the consultation and debate itself, but a false understanding of what the Church is and how it exercises responsibility?

Cardinal Woelki: I believe there are fundamentally different understandings of what synodality means. Pope Francis—like Pope Leo—repeatedly emphasizes that synodality is a spiritual process, a tool for evangelization. Synodality without evangelization is inconceivable, if one follows Pope Francis and Pope Leo.

I have the impression that, at a certain point, the Synodal Path in Germany became primarily about implementing certain church-political positions.

DOMRADIO.DE: Are alternative synodal dialogue forums at the federal level perhaps needed then?

Cardinal Woelki: At the last consistory, the Cardinals discussed synodality with the Holy Father. One request was to establish a study commission to clarify theologically what synodality means and how it can be practiced in a hierarchically and sacramentally structured Church.

I consider this of paramount importance and would strongly advocate waiting for the outcome. A shared universal understanding is needed as the foundation for the paths of the local churches. It cannot be that we in Germany develop our own, parliament-oriented understanding of synodality that becomes detached from the communion of the universal Church. This was precisely Pope Francis's concern, and as I understand Pope Leo, he shares this view. The diversity of forms that Pope Leo deemed legitimate in shaping synodality must nevertheless be held together by the recognition and preservation of the sacramental and hierarchical structure of the Church. I also don't believe that we constantly need new committees and structures, but rather a genuine synodal and missionary renewal of our many existing structures.

Rainer Maria Cardinal Woelki

"It cannot be that we in Germany develop our own, parliament-driven understanding of synodality."

DOMRADIO.DE: Why is it so difficult to reach a common understanding of the term synodality?

Cardinal Woelki: A theological clarification is urgently needed here. I am truly convinced that all those involved—including those of the Synodal Path—ultimately want what is good for the Church. But the path to achieving this is viewed differently.

My great concern is that there is currently a creeping attempt in Germany to implement a new ecclesiology and a new anthropology that are no longer in harmony with the faith and teachings of the universal Church.

DOMRADIO.DE: In Germany, the Synodal Path is often perceived as liberal and progressive, with Rome as a counterpoint or even a hindrance. Yet there are even bishops and cardinals who consider the understanding of synodality held by Pope Francis and Pope Leo to be too left-wing and liberal. If you were to draw a spectrum: On the critical side, for example, is Cardinal Zen from Hong Kong, in the middle is Pope Leo, and on the other side is the Synodal Path in Germany. Where would you position yourself?

Cardinal Woelki: Always on the side of the Pope – and thus in the middle. The path that Pope Francis has opened for us and that Pope Leo continues to follow is a spiritual path. We – from the Pope to the bishops to the entire People of God – place ourselves under the word and authority of God. He is the Lord of the Church.

DOMRADIO.DE: Since the end of the Synodal Path, an increasing polarization has been noticeable – also within the Bishops' Conference. How do you feel about this?

Cardinal Woelki: This situation is stressful. The tensions weigh on me because I don't want to suggest that anyone doesn't want what's best.

Differing opinions have always existed, even in the early Church, for example at the Council of Jerusalem. But in the end, agreement was reached on what Peter established as the guarantor of unity. That this is no longer a given today seems to me to be one of the causes of our current difficulties.

DOMRADIO.DE: Do you see a possibility of coming together again?

Cardinal Woelki: Staying in dialogue is crucial. But the common ground must be clear: the faith and teaching of the Church, unity with the Pope, and the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council, especially Lumen Gentium.

"We must once again agree on a common foundation of values."

DOMRADIO.DE: What needs to happen in society so that respect and cohesion remain possible despite differing views?

Cardinal Woelki: We must once again agree on a common foundation of values: dialogue instead of violence, reliability, protection of the vulnerable, solidarity, and justice.

We are witnessing this in world politics right now: where might makes right, society and morals become brutalized. Human dignity is violated, and personal rights are disregarded. This leads to a dehumanized society – and that cannot be our goal.

DOMRADIO.DE: How are you implementing your understanding of synodality in the Archdiocese of Cologne?

Cardinal Woelki: I have already mentioned various examples where we have taken up themes and concerns of the Synodal Path and implemented them in the Archdiocese of Cologne: strengthening prevention and addressing past transgressions, and the sharing of power and responsibility. Furthermore, we are undertaking a major transformation program to prepare our structures for the future. Not as an end in itself, but out of responsibility for future generations and so that we can create reliable conditions for a vibrant Church.

And then, of course, we have taken up the impulses of the World Synod in Rome. I have already spoken about the synodal restructuring of our conferences. But the second, and for me, in a sense crucial, topic is evangelization:

We have established a dedicated department with a whole range of young and committed people who have made "evangelization" their mission. We have tried to implement what Pope Francis called for in his letter to the Church in Germany. In the future, it will no longer be just about preserving the status quo, but we want to place everything under the umbrella of evangelization, as Pope Francis called for in "Evangelii Gaudium." We have made a real statement with "Come & See," a Eucharistic faith festival, which attracted a thousand participants the very first time.

DOMRADIO.DE: Since this was also an important question during the Synodal Path: What is your stance on women in positions of responsibility within the Church?

Cardinal Woelki: The proportion of women in leadership positions in our Vicariate General, for example, is currently 36 percent, which is clearly above the corporate average of 24 percent. It is important to me, and to us, that we in the Archdiocese are committed to promoting women – especially in leadership and responsible positions. That is why we not only talk about it, but also act accordingly.

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