Cologne Court Seeks Record Compensation from Archdiocese for Abuse Survivor

A woman who was sexually abused as a child by a priest who also served as her foster father will receive a historic compensation award from the Archdiocese of Cologne, the Oberlandesgericht Köln said. The court intends to set a settlement amount that surpasses the previous maximum of 300,000 euros, taking into account a prior payment of 360,000 euros made by the church's independent compensation commission. The plaintiff, who endured multiple rapes, became pregnant and later terminated the pregnancy, had originally sought at least 830,000 euros.

While a lower court dismissed the case, the appellate court reversed key points, ruling that the priest’s actions were linked to his ecclesiastical role and that the archdiocese is therefore liable. The final judgment is slated for 26 November, and the presiding judge emphasized the need to correct the earlier ruling.