Catholic clergy abused nearly 700 children and teenagers in the Bavarian diocese of Passau between 1945 and 2022, according to new research published Monday.
Researchers from the University of Passau estimate that at least 154 priests used violence against hundreds of minors or sexually abused them, or both, during that period, with most of the victims believed to be boys.
At least 672 children and young people were affected
According to the study, at least 672 children and youth were likely affected by abuse or violence in Catholic boarding schools and homes, during religious classes and while serving as ministers.
However, researchers believe the real figure is higher.
About 6.4% of the estimated 2,400 priests who served in the diocese between 1945 and 2022 are believed to have committed abuse against minors, including 128 priests believed to have sexually abused children, the 400-page report said.
86% repeatedly abused
About 86% are believed to have been abused multiple times.
The researchers noted that it is more difficult to determine the exact number of victims, as sources often refer to groups of children “who are said to have been abused by priests” in class or during choir rehearsals, for example.
In November, the study was submitted to Bishop Stefan Oster, as well as to an independent investigation in charge of reviewing sexual abuse of children in the diocese.
Additional investigations to uncover the full extent of the crime
A 2018 study revealed thousands of cases of abuse in parishes across Germany, further rocking the Catholic Church when decades-old allegations of sexual abuse of minors came to light.
Diocese have since commissioned additional investigations to uncover the full extent of the crime.
(TYPE/Source: Fena/Photo: A news)
