Osnabrück Cathedral holds memorial for survivors of Catholic Church abuse

A solemn ceremony unites survivors and the diocese in remembrance. Can this moment shift the Church’s response to decades of trauma?

, and Administrator

2025 November 11 . 5:02 PM

1 min read

In this picture there is a church in the center of the image.

Remembering Victims of Sexual Violence in the Osnabrück Cathedral - Osnabrück Cathedral holds memorial for survivors of Catholic Church abuse

A memorial service is set to take place at Osnabrück Cathedral this Sunday, honouring victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The event, co-designed by the Northern Victims’ Advisory Council and the Diocese of Osnabrück, coincides with the European Day for the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

The service, attended by Bishop Dominicus Meier, marks a significant step towards a survivor-sensitive culture of remembrance in the diocese. It comes just days before the Day of Prayer for Victims of Sexual Abuse, initiated by the late Pope Francis on November 18. Simon Kampe, the Ombudsman for victims of sexualised violence in the Diocese of Osnabrück, will support survivors and contribute to the development of a sensitive remembrance culture.

The Sunday afternoon ceremony aims to highlight the suffering of survivors and serve as a stark reminder of the Church’s institutional responsibility in addressing past abuses.

The memorial service at Osnabrück Cathedral underscores the diocese's commitment to acknowledging and supporting victims of sexual abuse. It is a poignant reminder of the Church's responsibility and a step towards healing and justice.