Status: 07.11.2021 10:15 a.m.
According to its own statements, the Diocese of Osnabrück has released a pastor with immediate effect. There is suspicion of criminal offenses in connection with the use of child pornography.
The pastor had previously informed the Osnabrück Bishop Franz-Josef Bode about the public prosecutor’s investigation into his person. Thereupon Bode released him. The Hanover public prosecutor’s office confirmed the investigation on Sunday. Further information on the suspected case could not be made for the time being, it said when asked.
Diocese: Affected community informed
Until the end of the procedure, the pastor will be released from all church duties, the diocese announced. The affected community had been informed. The so-called release of a pastor from priestly service means that he is no longer allowed to read mass, for example. Parts of western Lower Saxony and Bremen belong to the Diocese of Osnabrück.
additional Information
Anytime to listen to
