Cardinal Joachim Meisner of Cologne told members of the
Neocatechumenal Way that “I always say one of your families replaces
three Muslim families” – prompting criticism from political and Muslim
leaders.
According to The Local, a European news site, Cardinal Meisner was praising the large family size of the ecclesial movement’s members.
“It was never my intention to offend those of other faiths,” the
80-year-old prelate later said. “Perhaps my choice of words in this case
was unfortunate.”
“I have repeatedly stated that in many cases Muslim families set an example to our ageing society,” he added.