Scandals in the Catholic Church: Paderborn study shows abuse

Scandals in the Catholic Church: Paderborn study shows abuse

An independent historical study conducted by the University of Paderborn is funded, deals with sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Paderborn. Since the beginning of 2020, the study has been examining the systematic grievances that have led to decades of turning a blind eye and condoning abuse by church and social leaders. The focus here is particularly on the terms of office of Cardinals Lorenz Jaeger and Johannes Joachim Degenhardt, who ruled from 1941 to 2002.

What is particularly striking are the sparse sanctions against the accused clerics and the often lack of compassion for the people affected. In addition, a second research project has been underway since 2023 under the leadership of Professor Dr. Nicole Priesching, which examines the term of office of Archbishop Hans-Josef Becker (2002-2022).

Research challenges

The review and processing of the research material turned out to be more tedious than originally expected. In addition to the huge number of sources, the corona pandemic has also made accessing files and making contact more difficult. Legal reviews have further delayed progress. Vicar General Alfons Hardt has nevertheless guaranteed unrestricted access to files, which means that the scientific process remains transparent. The first results of Jaeger and Degenhardt's term of office are announced for spring 2026 Contemporary church history Paderborn reported.

The study is intended to provide information about the extent of sexual abuse, the experiences of violence of those affected and the reactions of those responsible within the church. By analyzing administrative sources, interviews with contemporary witnesses and other documents, the researchers aim to provide comprehensive information about the state of knowledge and decisions within the church.

Return on investigation

The research project, which was initiated in the summer of 2019, is entitled “Abuse in the Archdiocese of Paderborn – A Church-Historical Classification”. This preliminary study is based on files from the time of Archbishop Lorenz Jaeger. Professor Priesching leads the project, supported by research assistant Dr. Christine Hartig, who deals with the specific research assignments. The results of the study, which will also be extended to Archbishop Becker's term of office, are to be published in book form, which will further promote access to the topic and the results.

Overall, the context of the Paderborn management staff within the broader social structures is examined, which underlines the scope of the abuse problem and could pave the way to greater transparency within the church.