Passau Diocese Releases Landmark 2025 Sexual Abuse Study Revealing Nearly 700 Victims

The Diocese of Passau has published a comprehensive study on sexual abuse and physical violence by Catholic clergy from 1945 to 2022, revealing nearly 700 victims and highlighting systemic failures within the Church. Conducted by historian Marc von Knorring, the report identifies at least 672 children and adolescents affected, predominantly male, and 154 perpetrators, with 86% confirmed as repeat offenders. In a video statement, Bishop Stefan Oster described the findings as both "very painful and healing at the same time."

The report exposes a culture of abuse minimization, cover-ups, and a prioritization of the Church's reputation over victims' welfare. It points to a failure by bystanders, including parents and community members aware of abuse incidents, to intervene. Many victims came from vulnerable backgrounds, increasing their susceptibility to abuse. Since 2002, there has been a notable increase in legal actions against clerical violence in the diocese, signaling a turning point in addressing these crimes.

While the Diocese of Passau is comparatively late in releasing its findings—following earlier studies by Munich, Freising, Würzburg, and Augsburg—the study comes amid broader efforts to confront clerical abuse across Germany. Other dioceses have paid millions in compensation: the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising has paid about 2.2 million euros to 88 victims, while Augsburg has distributed over 5.4 million euros for compensation and therapy in the past 15 years.

The Passau study has been handed to the Independent Commission for the Processing of Abuse and to Bishop Oster, who has called for increased transparency and accountability concerning the Church’s exercise of power. New victim support programs and prevention measures, including dialogue forums and parish protection concepts, have been initiated within German dioceses as a response to the crisis.

This landmark report shines a stark light on the extent of abuse in the Passau diocese and underscores the urgent need for continued advocacy, institutional reckoning, and healing for survivors.