For their five-year study, Professor Nicole Priesching and Dr. des. Christine Hartig from the Institute for Catholic Theology at Paderborn University reviewed extensive material and conducted interviews with contemporary witnesses and victims. As an investigation into the history of the church, the study examines the conditions under which priests were able to commit sexual violence, which premises guided the actions of those responsible in the archdiocese, what experiences those affected by sexual violence had in their immediate environment and which factors ultimately led to changes.
The study examines the terms of office of the two archbishops Lorenz Cardinal Jaeger (1941–1973) and Johannes Joachim Cardinal Degenhardt (1974–2002). It thus also includes the period of the sede vacante after Jaeger’s resignation (1973/1974), during which Degenhardt served as capitular vicar (today: diocesan administrator) before he was appointed Archbishop of Paderborn in April 1974.
Funding for the research project was secured through a grant agreement with Paderborn University. This guaranteed free access to files and independence in the scientific publication of the results. The results were presented to the public on 12 March 2026.
Trigger warning: The study and this website are about sexualised violence. Such content can be distressing and trigger negative thoughts and feelings. Please decide for yourself whether you wish to engage with this topic.
[From BA: To see the study (in German), click here.]