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Protest after abuse reports on Friday in Essen
Photo: INA FASSBENDER / AFP
A sensational report on sexual violence in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising incriminates Benedict XVI.
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Activists of the Catholic reform movement "Maria 2.0" are now calling on the former pontiff to give up his papal name because of his handling of abuse cases.
"In view of this, we expect that Joseph Ratzinger will refrain from using his papal name and its associated titles and insignia," said the feminist initiative.
He "played down the sexual abuse of minors in an almost brazen way".
Renunciation of offices, honorary titles and income required
Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, led the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising from 1977 to 1982. The report commissioned by the Archdiocese itself comes to the conclusion that cases of sexual abuse in the diocese have not been dealt with appropriately for decades. Benedict is accused of four cases of misconduct, including the admission of priest Peter H., who is named X. in the report. This clergyman from North Rhine-Westphalia is said to have abused boys on many occasions and was transferred to Ratzinger's diocese during his tenure, where years later he was finally convicted of child abuse and is said to have repeatedly relapsed.
"This report must not remain without consequences for the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, but also for the Catholic Church as a whole," said "Maria 2.0" and also called for consequences for other responsible persons who the report accuses of misconduct.
In addition to Ratzinger, these include his successors as archbishops, Cardinal Friedrich Wetter and incumbent Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who has been accused of formal misconduct in two cases.
"We are of the opinion that none of these people can remain in their current position," says "Maria 2.0".
"We consider it necessary that they renounce all offices, functions and honorary titles they currently hold, as well as all related income."
Benedict XVI
has rejected the allegations made in the report in a written defense.
However, the authors of the report assume that he probably did not tell the truth.
After all, his statements are difficult to reconcile with your knowledge of the files.
apr/dpa