German investigator finds widespread abuse in Regensburg choir, once led by brother of retired Pope

January 08, 2016

A German lawyer charges that abuse was widespread in the Regensburg diocese, in boarding schools and in a children’s choir once led by Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of the retired Pope Benedict XVI.

Ulrich Weber, who was commissioned by the Regensburg diocese to investigate abuse complaints, reports that as many as 200 children may have been victims. "The events were known internally and criticized, but they had almost no consequences," he said. Weber says that Msgr. Ratzinger must have been aware of the charges in at least some cases. Msgr. Ratzinger has denied that he was informed about the allegations while serving as the Regensburg choir director.

 

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Further information:

• Lawyer Alleges 231 Children Abused at German Catholic Choir (AP)