A recent survey indicates a significant decline in public approval of Archbishop Rainer Woelki in Cologne, Germany. Conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (Forsa) and commissioned by the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” the poll reveals that just three percent of Cologne residents expressed satisfaction with Woelki’s leadership, eleven years after his appointment as Archbishop.
The survey results demonstrate widespread dissatisfaction, with 83 percent of respondents indicating they are either less satisfied or completely dissatisfied with his performance. The lowest approval was found among younger demographics, specifically those aged 16 to 19, where satisfaction levels registered at zero percent. Slightly higher, though still below the overall average, were satisfaction levels among those aged 45 to 59 (5%) and over 60 (6%).
Manfred Güllner, head of Forsa, described the findings as a “catastrophe” for both the Church and Cardinal Woelki. He noted that levels of public approval this low are exceedingly rare, comparing the current figures to a previous survey conducted in 2022 which also assessed Cardinal Woelki’s performance. Güllner suggested that even unpopular politicians typically maintain a core base of support, a characteristic the Cardinal appears to have lost, even within the Catholic community in Cologne.