New Allegations of Abuse Emerge Against Cardinal Hengsbach

A comprehensive study aims to explore both personal and systemic issues of abuse within the Catholic Church.

Seven new allegations of sexualized violence have surfaced against the late Cardinal Franz Hengsbach, prompting a detailed investigation.
The study, commissioned by the Diocese of Essen, will examine Hengsbach's life and the broader context of power abuse in the Catholic Church.
The investigation, costing approximately 785,000 euros, is expected to take three years with an interim report due in one year.
Researchers are calling for victims and others with experiences, both negative and positive, related to Hengsbach to come forward.
The study aims to bridge historical narratives of the church's role in society with the reality of abuse allegations.