Diocese of Trier 1946 to 1966: Fourth interim report of the University of Trier names at least 335 affected children and young people, 123 accused and lenient vicars general; no care for victims on record

The fourth interim report evaluates 1,574 files. Under Bishops Bornewasser and Wehr it names at least 335 affected children and young people and 123 accused. One in five priests ordained between 1946 and 1949 became an accused. Decisions were mostly taken by the vicars general, who acted with striking leniency: sanctions were often absent, the accused were transferred, two placed abroad. In 15 years under Wehr only one was forcibly laicised. Care for victims is on record in neither term. According to the report, the guiding concern was the Church's reputation, not the protection of children.

Period

1946-1966 (20 years)

Report published

8 October 2026

Country

Germany

Institutions

Diocese of Trier

Category

Sexual abuse, Cover-up

Level of evidence

A Primary source · what does this mean?

Background

Why? Justification and motives (according to the sources)

1. The report attributes the high share of affected girls under Bornewasser, 50 percent, to the consequences of the war. One in five priests ordained between 1946 and 1949 became an accused or offender. Under Wehr the figure was 11.6 percent of ordained diocesan priests, and boys made up almost two thirds of those affected. Between 1951 and 1966, 22 members of religious orders also committed offences, including three nuns, often in children's homes and boarding schools.
   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 1

   „Beschuldigten bzw. Täter sexuellen Missbrauchs“

   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 1

   „Prozent) die Hauptbetroffenen“

   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 1

   „Hinzuweisen ist auch auf die hohe Zahl von 22 Ordensangehörigen“

2. The priest Johann Bernardy remained in Church service for over two decades despite convictions in 1927 and 1935. Only in 1939, out of concern about Nazi propaganda, did the diocese order a harsh measure, which was relaxed after 1945; within months he reoffended. According to the report the guiding concern was not the protection of children but the Church's public standing.
   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 2

   „Trotz zweier rechtskräftiger strafrechtlicher Verurteilungen (1927 und 1935)“

   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 3

   „wurde Bernardy erneut rückfällig“

   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 3

   „der Schutz von Kindern und Jugendlichen, sondern die Sorge um das öffentliche Ansehen“

Response of the Church

1. Decisions were mostly taken by Vicars General Heinrich von Meurers and Peter Weins. According to the report they treated the accused with striking leniency. Under Bornewasser nine of 19 faced no consequences and seven were transferred within the diocese. Under Wehr two were placed abroad for the first time, and of 29 known accused only one was forcibly laicised.
   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 2

   „gingen mit den beschuldigten Priestern auffällig milde um“

   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 2

   „Erstmals wurden zwei Beschuldigte auch ins Ausland vermittelt“

   Evidence: Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission, S. 2

   „in der gesamten 15-jährigen Amtszeit ein einziger zwangslaisiert“

See also

• 1946-1983 · 37 years

  Episcopal boarding school Albertinum Gerolstein 1946 to 1983: According to the final report violence was a central part of everyday life; all three priest directors accused

  • Germany
  • Violence
  • Sexual abuse
• 1967-2001 · 34 years

  Diocese of Trier, University of Trier study on sexual abuse during the terms of office of Bishops Stein and Spital (1967-2001)

  • Bolivia
  • Germany
  • Ukraine
  • Sexual abuse
  • Cover-up
• 2002-2021 · 19 years

  Diocese of Trier 2002 to 2021: Third interim report of the University of Trier names 37 accused, at least 59 victims and failures of both bishops; one was convicted for revealing a victim's pseudonym

  • Germany
  • Sexual abuse
  • Cover-up

Original documents to read

1. Commission report
   Universität Trier, im Auftrag der Unabhängigen Aufarbeitungskommission: Lena Haase, Lutz Raphael: Sexueller Missbrauch im Bistum Trier im Zeitraum von 1946 bis 1966, Vierter Zwischenbericht (Kurzfassung), 1 January 2026. Original (retrieved 31 Oct 2026)

Last changed on 31 October 2026. Is something missing or wrong? Suggest an addition or correction.