Unveiling the Passau abuse study: focus on the pain of the victims

Unveiling the Passau abuse study: focus on the pain of the victims

On Monday, December 7, 2025, the University of Passau will publish an insightful study that will likely concern many of those affected and society as a whole. With the title "Sexual Abuse and Physical Violence. Attacks on Minors by Catholic Clergy in the Diocese of Passau 1945 to 2022," the study sheds light on a long and dark history of cases of abuse within the church. Professor Marc von Knorring expressed concern about the lifelong consequences these attacks have on victims. The aim is to give those affected recognition and appreciation and to raise society's awareness of this sensitive issue. This study has been expected by the Independent Processing Commission, the Independent Advisory Board for Those Affected and the Bishop of Passau, Stefan Oster, since the end of November 2022. It is now intended to shed light on the suffering that has happened to many people in the church and is seen as an urgently needed contribution to addressing the issue.

The reappraisal in the diocese of Passau may come late, but it is all the more important. A look at history shows that the MHG study by the Catholic Church in Germany from 2018 already documented thousands of cases of abuse and a high number of perpetrators. Their publication led to a rethink and the initiation of scientific studies in numerous dioceses, while Passau has lagged behind until now. “ daily news “ reports that the problem is not just local; in a letter it was criticized that the process of coming to terms with it must be viewed as a failure and that many of those affected feel left alone in the clarification process.

Current developments and coming to terms with the past

In recent years, the dioceses in Bavaria have increasingly devoted themselves to coming to terms with the abuse scandal. Apart from the upcoming study in Passau, there are already numerous results from other dioceses. For example, the Diocese of Würzburg has submitted a total of 4,326 applications for recognition services since 2021 and the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising has paid almost 2.2 million euros to 88 victims. The diocese of Augsburg has also paid out more than 5.4 million euros in the form of recognition payments over the last 15 years, which shows that the church leaders are taking relevant steps to do justice to the victims.

In addition, the dioceses are increasingly focusing on prevention. A dialogue forum for those affected was set up in Munich and a memorial about the events was erected in the cathedral. Knowledge about the incidents is being incorporated into new protection concepts, while the training of psychologists in seminaries is being further professionalized. However, the question remains whether this is enough to heal the wounds that have been inflicted over decades and continue to be present in social discourse.

Outlook and social responsibility

Against the background of the alarming number of undocumented cases of abuse, consistent action is still required. The “Eckiger Tisch” initiative for those affected makes it clear that not only the dioceses are called upon, but also the state, which is responsible for the legal framework. A discussion about a compensation fund for the victims is gaining momentum, as many of those affected make it clear that comprehensive information is urgently needed.

The investigation from Passau will not only represent a chapter in coming to terms with the abuse scandal, but will also awaken a sense of urgency for social changes and improvements in communication with those affected. It remains to be hoped that this step by the Church can be the beginning of a new understanding and protection for the most vulnerable in society. Publication is just around the corner and expectations are high – both from those affected and from the public.