Study Illuminates Sexual Violence in the Archdiocese of Paderborn - Decades-Long Cover-Up: How Paderborn's Cardinals Shielded Abusers for 80 Years
A new independent study has uncovered serious failings in the Archdiocese of Paderborn. Researchers found that cardinals repeatedly protected abusers while ignoring victims of sexual abuse. The investigation spans over eight decades, from 1941 to 2022, and centres on two high-ranking church leaders.
The report examines the tenures of Cardinals Lorenz Jaeger and Johannes Joachim Degenhardt within the archdiocese. Both were accused of shielding perpetrators and showing little regard for those harmed. The findings reveal a pattern of neglect and institutional protection for offenders.
The study's release was postponed until 2026 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers also discovered far more source material than originally expected, requiring additional time for analysis. A second phase of the investigation will focus on Archbishop emeritus Hans-Josef Becker, who led the diocese from 2002 to 2022. His period in office will be scrutinised separately. The Archdiocese of Paderborn covers a large region, stretching from Minden to Siegen and from Herne to Höxter. It includes parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Lower Saxony, serving around 1.3 million Catholics. So far, no official response has been issued by the diocese or the German Bishops' Conference regarding the study's findings.
The report highlights decades of systemic failures within one of Germany's largest Catholic dioceses. With no immediate reaction from church authorities, the full impact of these revelations remains unclear. The delayed publication means further details will not emerge until 2026.
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