Martin Bürger

Martin Bürger

Martin Bürger is acting editor-in-chief of CNA Deutsch. He has been writing about Catholic topics for almost two decades and has reported from Germany, Austria, and North America. He completed his theology studies at a pontifical university with a master's degree.

Articles by Martin Bürger

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki. Credit: Archdiocese of Cologne

Cologne Archdiocese calls canonical complaint ‘baseless’ as abuse survivors accuse cardinal

Jul 21, 2025 / 09:32 am

The Archdiocese of Cologne has dismissed a canonical complaint filed against Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki by German abuse survivors to Pope Leo XIV.

Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl, the bishop of Graz-Seckau in Austria, expressed being “stunned and shaken” following a deadly shooting at a school in Graz on June 10, 2025. Credit: Screenshot / YouTube / Katholische Kirche Steiermark

Bishop of Graz in Austria ‘stunned and shaken’ after deadly school shooting

Jun 11, 2025 / 13:01 pm

The bishop of Graz-Seckau in Austria, Wilhelm Krautwaschl, expressed being “stunned and shaken” following a deadly shooting at a school in Graz that claimed 10 lives.

Cardinal William Goh, the archbishop of Singapore. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Cardinal Goh says he expects clarity in teaching from Pope Leo XIV

May 23, 2025 / 11:55 am

In an interview on Thursday, Cardinal William Goh, the archbishop of Singapore, said he hopes for greater doctrinal clarity from Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal Rainer Woelki arrives at the Vatican on March 5, 2013. Credit: InterMirifica.net

German cardinal on American pope: ‘I didn’t expect it’ but hope for synodality clarity

May 10, 2025 / 04:00 am

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne speaks about what surprised him about the conclave, praising Pope Leo XIV’s “warmth and humanity.”

The cross of the German “Synodal Way.” Credit: Maximilian von Lachner/Synodaler Weg

Controversial German Synodal Committee to meet this weekend

May 9, 2025 / 10:42 am

The German Synodal Committee meets this weekend without four bishops, who will not participate due to the Vatican’s warning that the committee is not legitimate. 

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, archbishop of Cologne in Germany. Credit: Marko Orlovic/German Bishops' Conference (DBK)

Cardinal Woelki expects longer papal conclave than swift election of Pope Francis

Apr 30, 2025 / 01:08 am

“I expect it won’t go as quickly as the last conclave. But maybe I’ll be proven wrong. I would be happy about that,” said Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne.

Pope Francis meets with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in Havana, Cuba. on Feb. 12, 2016. Credit: Vatican Media

Top ecumenical initiatives of Pope Francis: a retrospective  

Apr 24, 2025 / 14:31 pm

Like all popes since the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis made a point of reaching out to non-Catholics, building bridges and engaging in dialogue.

Cardinals in Rome. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Cardinals converge in Rome as second general congregation gathers 103 prelates

Apr 24, 2025 / 02:04 am

The second general congregation of cardinals saw attendance nearly double to 103 prelates as they finalize preparations for Pope Francis’ funeral and the upcoming conclave.