Sexual assault [or] Sexual abuse - Study uncovers mistreatment by Franciscan monks
A recently published investigation has disclosed numerous instances of abuse by the Franciscan friars of the Minorite Monastery in Würzburg. Nine of these friars have been accused, with the majority of these cases allegedly perpetrated by only three brothers over a period spanning from the early 1960s to the late 1980s. The media had previously commented on these incidents.
Conducted by attorneys specializing in abuse recovery, Petra Ladenburger and Martina Lörsch, the investigation consisted of around 40 interviews with victims, witnesses, and involved parties during the timeframe from October 2022 to June 2024. Two of the alleged perpetrators declined to participate, while three agreed to be interviewed.
The Friars are reported to have abused boys and girls aged 10 to 18, as well as young adults for extended periods. The acts committed by these individuals were legally punishable at the time, and all cases flew in the face of the guidelines set by the conference of religious orders.
Victims continue to feel the impact
The study indicates that many of these victims continue to struggle with the consequences of the abuse, which include depression, relationship difficulties, panic attacks, and feelings of loneliness.
The report states that those in leadership positions within the order had been made aware of these abuses multiple times from 1971 until 2020. Their actions were characterized by concealment, trivialization, helplessness, and disinterest, with the exception of two cases in 2002.
The primary suspects, described by lawyers as charismatic individuals with impressive charm, had seemingly created a persona of untouchability as a result of their popularity outside the order.
The Breaking of the Silence
Brother Andreas Murk served as the Provincial Minister and spoke about the importance of the investigation, stating, "If there can be any justice for these crimes, we hope that this investigation will also offer a sense of relieving healing for those who have had their lives impacted by the actions of some and the inaction of others." He added that the process would be instrumental in "breaking the culture of silence." It is expected that the order will face the ongoing challenge of instituting structures that prevent potential abusers from abusing again.
At the present time, the Franciscan Monastery in Würzburg hosts 40 friars across six convents. They are also active in the monasteries of Schwarzenberg near Scheinfeld, Maria Eck in the Chiemgau, and Schöna in Gemünden am Main. Formerly, there were also convents in Bonn and Ratingen in North Rhine-Westphalia.
A declaration from the authors of the investigation report can be found at: Investigation report
