Archbishop condemns complete disregard of Canon Law by his predecessor

Freiburg's Archbishop Stephan Burger announces consequences for his Archdiocese after the publication of the abuse study. In an interview, he also expresses his incomprehension of his predecessor in office, Robert Zollitsch. He could not understand that he had disregarded church law for years.

Archbishop Zollitsch

The report on abuse in the Archdiocese of Freiburg has revealed structures that were covered up for years. In an interview, Archbishop Stephan Burger explains what conclusions the Church should draw from the study.

Question: Archbishop, what do you consider to be the most important result of the report on sexualised violence by priests in the Archdiocese of Freiburg?

Burger: That the report relentlessly reveals the fatal consequences when power and decision-making authority are in the hands of a few - a small, conspiratorial group. This must not be allowed - especially when the fate of people is at stake, as in the case of abuse and sexualised violence.

Question: What are the conclusions of the study?

Burger: We will conscientiously examine all the suggestions for improvement made in the report. For example, it must not be the case that perpetrators disappear under the radar and no longer fulfil imposed conditions. We will also examine whether additional staff and expertise are needed in this area.

Question: What do you think of what your predecessor Robert Zollitsch said?

Burger: I cannot understand why he acted in such a way and disregarded church law for years. Particularly since, as President of the Bishops' Conference, he always urged others to comply with the guidelines and laws.

"That he acted in such a way and disregarded church law for years, I cannot understand," said Archbishop Burger about his predecessor, Robert Zollitsch

Question: How could he ignore the suffering of the victims?

Burger: If I know about the suffering of the victims and really let it get to me, I can't really close my eyes.

Question: You are now also responsible nationwide for dealing with abuse in the Catholic Church. What are the next challenges there?

Burger: Basically, it is always about the question of power control. How can we as a church really allow ourselves to be controlled? How can we come to terms with the situation in a transparent way? Another building block is the planned new Council of Experts. In this new body, experts from outside will take a critical and unbiased look at our processes of prevention and reappraisal from 2024 onwards. It will also be a matter of continually responding to suggestions for improvement from the representatives of those affected.

Question: The Church spends a lot of energy and money on the abuse process - how do you see this in other areas of society - for example in sport?

Burger: There is a lot of work everywhere. A society must do equal justice to all those affected, no matter where they have experienced sexualised violence: in clubs, in the cultural sector, in education, in schools, in sport or in families. Perhaps we as the Catholic Church can even contribute the expertise we have acquired over the years, if that is what is desired.

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