Regensburg diocese to compensate abuse victims in children’s choir

October 13, 2016

The Diocese of Regensburg, Germany, has announced plans for compensation of the victims of abuse in the famous cathedral choir.

Several hundred former members of the children’s choir have reported abuse. The diocesan plan will provide between €5,000 and €20,000 ($5,500 and $22,000) for each victim. The diocese will also institute new procedures to guard against future abuse, guided by a panel made up of church officials and victims’ representatives.

The reports of abuse cover a period dating back to 1945. Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, the older brother of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, was director of the choir from 1965 to 1994. Msgr. Ratzinger says that he was not informed of any abuse complaints during his tenure. The diocese is preparing a full report on the matter.

 

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Further information:

• German Catholic choir abuse victims to receive compensation (Deutsche Welle)