Priest from Eichstätt: judgment of sexual abuse legally binding!

Priest from Eichstätt: judgment of sexual abuse legally binding!

The verdict has fallen: A priest from the diocese of Eichstätt suspended the service was sentenced to a probation by the district court of Ingolstadt for nine months. He also has to pay 3,000 euros to the Eichstätter Kreisjugendring. This judgment is final and refers to sexual assaults that have been committed between 2015 and 2021 to two male adolescents who have now grown up. One affected person reported the priest, while the other stated that the contact was mutually acceptable. However, this statement was not recognized by the court as the reason for an acquittal. It was stated that the priest had exploited the psychological instability and the financial interest of one of the young people. The public prosecutor had asked for a higher sentence of one year and three months without probation, which was ultimately not accepted. In addition, after the judgment, the diocese of Eichstätt will re -record the preliminary examination for the case that was suspended during the state proceedings. For example, katholisch.de .

But this case is only the youngest in a number of affairs that shake the diocese of Eichstätt. Most recently on January 7, 2025, another priest was targeted by the investigators, who is accused of sexually abusing five girls. He initially fled to Brazil before returning when the acts were statute -barred. Interestingly, he was supported by high -ranking church representatives and received financial aid from the diocese in the form of a "mission donation". This illustrates the persistent problem of power and abuse within the church structure, such as Gottes-suche.de

a worrying trend

The incidents in the diocese of Eichstätt are not isolated. A comprehensive study on behalf of the German Bishops' Conference, which was presented last year, has already produced alarming numbers. Over 38,000 personnel files have been examined, which reveals a significant number of unreported cases of abuse cases. A total of 1,670 clergymen were accused of sexual abuse of minors - this corresponds to about 4.4 % of the tested files. This shows that the problem is not only widespread in Eichstätt, but all over Germany and worldwide. The number of concerns is terrifyingly high; With 3,677 children and adolescents, the focus is often on male victims, often in the context of altar server service and pastoral activities. These findings brings Statista.com to light.

The Catholic Church faces the challenge of taking responsibility and actually implementing the promised reforms. While the debates about transparency and accountability cook up, it remains to be seen whether and how the church tours will react to the legitimate claims of society. In Eichstätt, on the other hand, the investigation around the incidents remains urgently necessary to regain the trust of the believers and prevent future abuse.