Gruesome case of mass child abuse reveals 547 boys victimized at choir school

A gruesome report out of Germany reveals at least 547 boys were sexually abused by a clerical pedophile ring at a 1,000-year-old German Catholic choir school. The abuse was brought to light in 2010, but the final report has only now been announced to the public.

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An investigator presents the final report on systematic abuse at a Catholic choir school in Germany. At least 547 boys were abused sexually or tortured between 1945 and 1990.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (CALIFORNIA NETWORK)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
7/19/2017 (6 years ago)

Published in Europe

Keywords: Germany, pedophile, ring, choir, school, abuse, report, 547, boys

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Especially talented boys who qualified to attend and participate the 1,000-year-old Regensburger Domspatzen (Cathedral Sparrows) choir were plunged into a living hell once they arrived at the school. The final report released by an investigator yesterday shows that 547 boys were subjected to sexual abuse and torture during their time at the school. And these are just the cases we know about.

The victims were abused between 1945 and 1990, and there were 67 specific cases of sexual abuse and about 500 cases of physical abuse including torture. Some victims suffered both torture and sexual abuse.

The latest report doubles a previous announcement that there were 231 cases under investigation. As in many abuse cases, it is virtually certain there are countless more victims who have just not come forward.

Victims reported being raped, beaten, and starved of food. When a victim had the courage to report their abuse, their reports were not taken seriously and dismissed.

As usual, those responsible for the institution have denied knowledge and responsibility. Georg Ratzinger, now 93, (no relation to Pope Emeritus Benedict) was head of the choir from 1964 to 1994, when many of the abuse cases took place. He has been accused of refusing to intervene.

Why would a senior cleric, responsible for a 1,000-year-old institution refuse to take reports seriously or intervene? Should we believe Ratzinger was so naĂŻve? Or is it possible he knew of the abuse and enforced silence to protect himself and others?

Even if he did not commit any acts of abuse himself, he shares culpability since he was responsible for the choir. 

Survivors compared their experience to living in a concentration camp. Others have used the word "hell" to describe their time at the boarding school where most of the abuse occurred.

The case has also spread to several other Catholic institutions including a prestigious Jesuit school in Berlin. At that school, two priests serially abused boys during the 1970s and 80s.

It is unclear what criminal prosecution will take place in wake of the investigation, if any. Victims of the abuse will be paid an average of $23,000 apiece as part of a settlement.