German Catholic bishop admits Church failings in sex abuse scandal

The bishop currently administering the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Cologne used a closed service in the German cathedral city on Thursday to acknowledge Church failings in a large sex abuse scandal.

"A large number of crimes of sexual violence were perpetrated on wards of the Church by priests and other Church staff," Sufragan Bishop Rolf Steinhaeuser said during a penance service held in Cologne Cathedral.

Steinhaeuser is deputy to Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, who has taken a sabbatical following controversy regarding his decision not to publish a report on the abuse scandal.

While he was unable to apologize on behalf of the perpetrators of the abuse, he did not want to make the faithful jointly liable for their actions, Steinhaeuser said.

"This service does not end with forgiveness," he stressed.

"We cannot absolve ourselves. We also do not ask the victims for forgiveness, so that we can feel better," he said, describing the service, which was not open to the public, as an acknowledgement of guilt and commemoration of the victims.

Ahead of the service, there was criticism of the event on the grounds that it was taking place in Woelki's absence. A protest was staged outside the cathedral.

Responding, Steinhaeuser said he would not make reference to the cardinal. "I will neither accuse him nor attempt to excuse him, he said.

Woelki said in September he planned to return to his office "with all his strength" following his sabbatical.

His position had become uncertain after Pope Francis sent two plenipotentiaries to investigate the diocese.

The Vatican subsequently issued a statement defending the cardinal against the accusation that he had covered up deficits in dealing with sexual abuse.