Former pope Benedict XVI failed to act over four child abuse cases when he was archbishop of Munich, a German probe into the Catholic Church has found.
Pope Benedict, then called Josef Ratzinger, held the position from 1977 to 1982. He has denied the accusations.
But a new report into historical abuse allegations carried out by a German law firm incriminated the former pope.
Abuse continued under his tenure, it is alleged, and the accused remained active in church roles.
The former pope, now aged 94, became the first Church leader to resign in more than 600 years in 2013. Since then, he has led a largely quiet life in the Vatican City.
The new report, commissioned by the Catholic Church, alleges he was told about the facts of child abuse cases while acting as archbishop, but took no action.
"Two of these cases concern abuses committed during his tenure and sanctioned by the state," lawyer Martin Pusch said as he announced the report.
"In both cases, the perpetrators remained active in pastoral care."
Latest Stories
-
CSIR Executive Director urges farmers to adopt technology for improved farming
12 mins -
Football Impact Africa’s Ghetto Love Initiative inspires change in Teshie
23 mins -
Peter Toobu calls for tighter border security over uncovered weapons at Tema Port
25 mins -
Gov’t has failed its commitment to IPPs – Ablakwa
29 mins -
Sell Chrome to end search monopoly, Google told
41 mins -
KATH to install seven new dialysis machines by end of November
44 mins -
Walewale: Police confiscate 37 bags of cocoa beans suspected of being smuggled out of Ghana
55 mins -
‘Expired’ Rice Scandal: FDA confirms rice was safe for consumption after rigorous lab tests
1 hour -
Many women have experienced intimate partner violence – Angela Dwamena Aboagye
1 hour -
Power challenges persist due to government’s mismanagement of revenues – Okudzeto Ablakwa
2 hours -
Jordan Ayew injury not as bad as feared – Leicester City boss
2 hours -
Stonebwoy heads to North America for UP & RUNNIN6 tour
2 hours -
FDA explains extension of best-before date for ‘expired’ rice
2 hours -
Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Mahama storm Akuapem North as NPP NDC slugs it out
2 hours -
Fatawu’s injury a big blow for us – Leicester City manager
2 hours