Germany’s Cardinal Marx faces scrutiny in sexual abuse case

GERMANY
LifeSite News

August 31, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) — Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, head of the German Bishops Conference and one of Pope Francis’ closest advisers, is criticized for negligent behavior regarding a case of sexual abuse by a priest of his former diocese from 10 years ago.

A recent legal investigation follows past inquiries regarding accusations of sexual abuse by the former parish priest involving a 15-year-old boy in the Diocese of Trier. The first accusation surfaced in 2006 but was suspended because of statutory limitations. Subsequent lawsuits were filed in 2013 and 2015 against the priest, who has been retired since 2015.

The case resurfaced again with its current allegations. Previous negligence in the investigation might have led to this current situation.

Victims have formed an organization to disclose abuse cases in Trier and call for an investigation independent of the Church’s. The group runs an internet blog called “Missbit.” Claudia Adams manages the blog with the purpose of resolving the case.

Cardinal Marx was bishop of Trier in 2006 before he became archbishop of Munich. The Church’s investigations of the parish priest were dropped while the legal case was suspended because of the statute of limitations. Marx dropped the case despite the fact that ecclesiastical law has different legislation regarding statutory limitation.

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