Catholic Abuse Scandal hits German Church Leader
- 14 years ago
The archbishop of Freiburg has been accused of "aiding and abetting sexual abuse". Apparently Robert Zollitsch, who is also head of the German Bishops' Conference, permitted a priest accused of child abuse to be reappointed to a parish church in 1987.
Senior Prosecutor Wolgang Maier says he received a complaint against Robert Zollitsh at the end of May.
[Wolfgang Maier, Senior State Prosecutor]:
“The person who filed the complaint claims that in 1987, Dr. Zollitsch was personnel officer and that in this position, he appointed a priest in Birnau despite -- the person claims -- despite charges of child abuse against the cleric being known to Dr. Zollitsch."
The church in Freiburg has responded by accusing the prosecutors and media of "sensationalism". And they have denied that the appointment was the archbishop’s direct responsibility. But Zollitsch has already had to apologize in a separate case for failing to report a case of suspected abuse by a priest to state prosecutors in Freiburg.
Bavarian-born Pope Benedict's own brother has also been accused of physical abuse. The bishop of Augsburg has already had to resign because of accusations against him. Bishops and senior churchmen have also quit in Belgium and Ireland.
Senior Prosecutor Wolgang Maier says he received a complaint against Robert Zollitsh at the end of May.
[Wolfgang Maier, Senior State Prosecutor]:
“The person who filed the complaint claims that in 1987, Dr. Zollitsch was personnel officer and that in this position, he appointed a priest in Birnau despite -- the person claims -- despite charges of child abuse against the cleric being known to Dr. Zollitsch."
The church in Freiburg has responded by accusing the prosecutors and media of "sensationalism". And they have denied that the appointment was the archbishop’s direct responsibility. But Zollitsch has already had to apologize in a separate case for failing to report a case of suspected abuse by a priest to state prosecutors in Freiburg.
Bavarian-born Pope Benedict's own brother has also been accused of physical abuse. The bishop of Augsburg has already had to resign because of accusations against him. Bishops and senior churchmen have also quit in Belgium and Ireland.