Having reviewed the results of the apostolic visit to the German archdiocese of Cologne concerning the handling of abuse cases, the Pope accepts Cardinal Woelki’s request to have a break. At the same time, the Holy Father rejected the resignation of two auxiliary bishops of Cologne.

Pope Francis has accepted the request of Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, the archbishop of Cologne, to spend “a spiritual time outside the diocese” from mid-October until the beginning of Lent next year, but reiterating that he continues to count on him. This was made known in a statement from the Apostolic Nunciature in Germany released by the Archdiocese of Cologne and the German Bishops’ Conference.

The communiqué refers to the Holy Father’s decisions, which came about after taking “careful note” of the results of the apostolic visit to the archdiocese made by Cardinal Archbishop Anders Arborelius of Stockholm and Bishop Johannes van den Hende…