A pastor of an Upper Franconian parish who died in 2006 is accused of being guilty of sexual abuse over a period of more than 30 years. The Archbishop asks for forgiveness.
A Catholic pastor is said to have abused people over a period of more than 30 years. Initially, those affected in the small Franconian town of Wallenfels reported that they had been sexually abused by the clergyman between 1970 and 1995. After examining documents, the Archdiocese of Bamberg determined that allegations against the then chaplain had already been recorded in 1963.
According to the diocese, diary entries were found in 2022 that show the abuse of young people. Archbishop Ludwig Schick asks those affected for “forgiveness”. He also concedes the “failure of the diocese leadership”. From today’s perspective, it is inconceivable that a priest who has been accused of such things should not have been removed from service.
The accused pastor Dieter S. died in 2006, so criminal investigations are no longer possible. Those affected were or are in part members of the Wallenfels community. During his lifetime, S. was made an honorary citizen of the city in the district of Kronach. According to the municipality, this cannot be revoked posthumously. S. should no longer be listed as an honorary citizen.