German bishops to investigate abuse charges; reports touch on Regensburg choir

March 05, 2010

Father Ciro Benedettini, the deputy director of the Vatican press office, declined to comment on new reports of abuse in a boys' choir in Regensburg. These reports are particularly sensitive because Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, the Pope's elder brother, was the director of that choir for 30 years. Msgr. Ratzinger has said that he was unaware of any complaints.

Bishop Stephen Ackermann of Trier has been appointed by the German bishops' conference to lead an investigation of abuse complaints. Archbishop Robert Zollitsch, the president of the episcopal conference, will discuss the matter during a meeting with Pope Benedict next week.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican takes German paedophilia scandal 'very seriously' (Expatica)
• Abuse Cases Found At Renowned German Catholic Choir (New York Times)