# Cardinal Woelki public image and film appearance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cardinal-woelki-public-image-and-film-appearance
> Updated: 2026-08-17T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki of Cologne has recently reflected on his public image and his participation in the film ‘Horst Schlämmer sucht das Glück’. In the film, the Cardinal appears as himself in a supporting role.

While comedian Hape Kerkeling expressed surprise at the Cardinal’s involvement, Woelki described the experience as positive. He noted a personal difficulty with seeing himself on screen, which has prevented him from watching the film, but he praised Kerkeling for using humor to parody the church without making faith appear ridiculous.

## Claims

- Praying for rain is an old church tradition. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Cardinal Woelki will turn 70 on Tuesday, August 18. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Cardinal Woelki played himself in the film ‘Horst Schlämmer sucht das Glück’. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Woelki has not watched the film in which he appeared. (corroborated by 18 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Cardinal Woelki discusses film role and 70th birthday

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki discusses his upcoming 70th birthday and his recent cameo in the film ‘Horst Schlämmer sucht das Glück’ alongside comedian Hape Kerkeling.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cardinal-woelki-discusses-film-role-and-70th-birthday-1

### 2026-08-14: Cardinal Woelki discusses film role and 70th birthday

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki discusses his upcoming 70th birthday and his recent cameo appearance in the film ‘Horst Schlämmer sucht das Glück’ alongside Hape Kerkeling.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cardinal-woelki-discusses-film-role-and-70th-birthday

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Cite as: Cardinal Woelki public image and film appearance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cardinal-woelki-public-image-and-film-appearance