Analysis on abuses in the Catholic Church in France 1:40
Berlin (CNN) —
Pope Benedict XVI learned about child-abusing priests when he was archbishop of Munich from 1977 to 1981, an archdiocese report concluded Thursday, rejecting Benedict XVI's longstanding denials.
"He was briefed on the facts," lawyer Martin Pusch said in Munich as part of a panel announcing the results of the investigation.
LEE: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI blames the sexual abuse of the clergy on the sexual revolution of the 1960s
"We believe he can be charged with misconduct in four cases," Pusch said.
“Two of these cases refer to abuses committed during his mandate and sanctioned by the State.
In both cases, the perpetrators remained active in pastoral care.
Protesters await the release of the report in Munich.
“During his time in office there were cases of abuse,” Pusch said, referring to Benedict as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, his name and position at the time.
“In those cases, those priests continued their work without sanction.
The church did nothing.
“He claims that he was unaware of certain facts, although we believe that is not the case, based on what we know,” Pusch said.
News in development
advertising
Benedict XVI
