GERMANY
The Eponymous Flower
The President of the German Bishops’ Conference is being criticized in a suspected case of sexual abuse of a minor ten years previously by a priest in the diocese of Trier.
Trier (kath.net/KNA) The President of the German Bishops’ Conference, Reinhold Cardinal Marx is being criticized in a suspected case of sexual abuse of a minor ten years previously by a priest in the diocese of Trier.
As reported by Saarland Broadcasting, Marx knew as the then Bishop of Trier in 2006 of the legal proceedings against the clergyman. While the accused had partially confessed to the abuse of a young person, the charges had reached the statute of limitations and the authorities discontinued the investigation. The diocese of Trier had thoroughly questioned the pastor, after the latter had denied the allegations. The files of the judiciary were not requested.
As a spokesman for the prosecutor of Saarbrücken confirmed on Wednesday for the Catholic News Agency (KNA). the diocese was informed in 2006 about the termination of the criminal proceedings. However, that was probably done informally – without giving any reasons, such that the adjustment was made due to the statute of limitation.
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