Passau study reveals abuse of 700 minors by Catholic priests

WISE NEWS PRESS / PASSAU, GERMANY — DEC. 09, 2025

A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Passau has revealed that approximately 700 children and adolescents were subjected to sexual and physical abuse by Catholic priests in the Passau diocese between 1945 and 2022.

The investigation, titled "Sexual Abuse and Physical Violence: Attacks on Minors by Catholic Priests in the Diocese of Passau 1945 to 2022," was led by historian Marc von Knorring. Over the course of three years, researchers examined approximately 2,400 personnel files and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses to uncover the scale of the abuse.

Systemic Complicity and Silence

The 400-page report identifies 672 confirmed victims, though researchers warn that the number of unreported cases is likely much higher. The study identified 154 priests as accused or convicted perpetrators.

However, the findings emphasize that guilt extends beyond the direct perpetrators. Marc von Knorring highlighted that "thought patterns and behaviors within the church system" facilitated these crimes. The study points to a broad network of complicity involving parents, congregation members, church staff, and politicians who chose silence and concealment to protect the institution's reputation rather than the victims.

'Shameful' Culture of Silence

Passau Bishop Stefan Oster described the findings as "shameful." He acknowledged the institutional failure, stating, "It has been proven that at least 700 people suffered often indescribable pain... due to a culture of silence, the glorification of priests, and the ignoring of victims' suffering".

While the diocese has made efforts since 2010 to clarify past events and prevent future abuse, the report notes that victims remain distant from the church and its offers of help. Passau is now the fourth Bavarian diocese, following Munich, Freising, Würzburg, and Augsburg, to disclose figures regarding abuse by clergy.

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