Overview

• An interim report by Universität Mannheim identifies hierarchical church structures as key enablers of sexual abuse in the Speyer Diocese, with a peak in cases during the 1950s–60s.
• Bishop Wiesemann publicly apologized for the abuse and acknowledged past failures in recognizing the systemic nature of the crimes, calling for a cultural shift in the Church.
• Generalvikar Markus Magin announced plans for a memorial to honor victims and joined the bishop in expressing remorse for the harm caused.
• The diocese has paid over €3.6 million in reparations, including therapy costs, to 96 survivors, while urging additional victims to come forward.
• The Betroffenenbeirat, representing survivors, demands the dismantling of structures that facilitated abuse and emphasizes the importance of continued accountability and reform.