A recent survey reveals a significant decline in public satisfaction with Archbishop Rainer Woelki’s leadership in Cologne, Germany. Conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (Forsa) and published in the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”, the poll indicates that only 3% of Cologne residents express satisfaction with his performance, marking a low point eleven years following his appointment.
The findings suggest a particularly negative sentiment amongst younger demographics, with zero percent of respondents aged 16-29 reporting satisfaction. Satisfaction levels are marginally higher within the 45-59 and over-60 age brackets, registering at 5% and 6% respectively.
According to Manfred Güllner, head of Forsa, the results represent a “catastrophic” situation for both the church and the Archbishop. He noted that this level of disapproval for a prominent figure is rare, with a similar outcome previously recorded in 2022, again concerning Cardinal Woelki. Güllner emphasized that typically, even unpopular politicians retain a core base of support. He observed that Cardinal Woelki appears to have lost even this essential backing within the Catholic community of Cologne.
