Statue of Late Cardinal to Be Removed Amidst Abuse Allegations

In a significant development, a statue honoring the late German Cardinal Franz Hengsbach is set to be taken down from its prominent spot outside a cathedral in western Germany. This decision follows disturbing allegations of sexual abuse against the Cardinal, as confirmed by Catholic church officials on Friday.

To replace the statue, a memorial dedicated to the victims of sexual abuse will be established. This information was shared by Thomas Zander, the dean of the city of Essen's cathedral, according to a report from the German news agency dpa.

The decision to remove the statue came after several hours of confidential discussions among relevant authorities.

The controversy surrounding the statue, situated just outside Essen Cathedral, began when the German Dioceses of Essen and Paderborn announced investigations into at least three sexual abuse allegations against Hengsbach earlier in the week.

Two of these allegations trace back to the 1950s and 1960s. The first case alleges that Hengsbach abused a 16-year-old girl in 1954 while serving as an auxiliary bishop in the German city of Paderborn. The second case dates back to 1967 when he allegedly assaulted another woman during his time as a bishop in Essen.

The most recent allegations emerged in October 2022, with a third victim coming forward.

It's worth noting that Cardinal Hengsbach played a pivotal role in founding and leading the Diocese of Essen, serving until his passing in 1991 at the age of 80.

This decision reflects a commitment to addressing the serious allegations surrounding Cardinal Hengsbach while also acknowledging the importance of honoring and supporting those who have suffered from sexual abuse within the church.