Catholic scandal spreads: Former Regensburg choirboys talk of "naked beatings"

This article is about the investigation of priests at two boarding schools that are accused of abusing young boys, both sexually and physically. The schools were the homes of boys that were being recruited for the famous Regensberg choir. These cases of abuse occurred in the 1950's and 1960's. Therapists in and around Munich have treated several boys for the trauma they received while attending the schools.

Some of the boys (who are grown men now) reported that one of the priests would take eight and nine year old boys in to his private rooms and have them strip. He would then beat them and in some instances penetration occurred. One former student stated that the school had, "an elaborate system of sadistic punishments as well as sexual lust." Another former student expressed his outrage that the pope's brother, Georg Ratzinger, claims that he was not aware of the abuse.

These actions and others were well known by the students. One student actually committed suicide in relation to the abuse. In 1967, a student reports that one priest would take a few of the boys to his flat in the evenings. There, they would be given red wine. The priest would masturbate with the boys.

The Diocese states that they are going to launch a vigorous investigation. The pope's brother was headmaster from 1964-1994. He states that during those 30 years there was disciple and rigor, but not terror.

Stories of sexual abuse by priests or other male clergymen always befuddle me. I do not understand how or why these religious men are repeatedly in hot water for inappropriate actions with young boys. They make the choice to take the call from God. They understand the Bible and its teachings. They strive to live their lives according to God's instruction. Where do they read that it is okay to do things to young kids? This is a problem that is not just isolated to America or Germany. It is wide spread especially within the Catholic church. Perhaps priests should be allowed to marry. Maybe there would be less accusations of sexual abuse.

This article can be found at:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,682344,00.html

This article was written by: Spiegel with wire reports