Overview
- University of Trier historians released the third report on Thursday assessing abuse handling in the Diocese of Trier during the tenures of Reinhard Marx (2002–2008) and Stephan Ackermann (since 2009).
- For 2001–2021 the study identified 37 accused (21 under Marx, 16 under Ackermann) and at least 59 victims; across 1946–2021 it documented 734 victims and 246 accused, with a significant decline since 2000.
- Researchers criticize the leadership under Marx for inadequate care for victims, failing to notify prosecutors in any new case, and weak sanctions, and Marx responded by acknowledging these failures and calling prior practices inappropriate.
- The report credits Ackermann with more consistent internal investigations, referrals to prosecutors, sanctions and payments to all victims, while noting slow procedures, limited communication with parishes and problematic personnel decisions.
- A separate study in Augsburg released the same day found many past cases were handled inadequately before 2005, reported marked improvement since, and recommended stronger prevention and regular public reporting of new cases.