Overview

• The Diocese of Passau maintains the priest will no longer serve as of March 24, 2025, citing his verbal offers to resign in front of witnesses.
• The priest, through his lawyer, denies resigning and claims the Diocese's announcement is based on a misunderstanding.
• Misconduct allegations include excessive alcohol use during youth trips and 'spiritual manipulation,' which the priest's lawyer has dismissed as baseless.
• Bishop Stefan Oster has imposed a temporary ban on the priest from celebrating Mass and appearing publicly as a priest.
• New allegations against the priest have been referred to state authorities for further investigation, reflecting broader concerns about institutional accountability.