Further abuse claims against late German Catholic Cardinal Hengsbach

Since allegations of abuse against the former Catholic bishop of Essen in western Germany became public last year, seven further accusations of sexualized violence have come to light.

The additional allegations against the late Cardinal Franz Hengsbach, who died in 1991, were disclosed on Monday by the vicar general of Essen, Klaus Pfeffer.

He said independent researchers would now examine the allegations against Hengsbach in a major study that will be funded by the diocese of Essen and other Catholic institutions.

Essen sits in the heart of the German industrial heartland of the Ruhr region, and Hengsbach was once among the country's most prominent religious leaders.

His reputation extended well beyond Catholics into German secular society.

Pfeffer said that Hengsbach had been stylized as a "Ruhr region hero" upon his death.

"That's why I think such an investigation is so enormously important, to draw attention to where it leads in the Catholic Church when we have such a massively exaggerated understanding of his ministry," said Pfeffer.

It is not just about Hengsbach as a person, but also about the systemic abuse of power in the Catholic Church.

"For the diocese of Essen, we are very aware that we have certainly not covered ourselves in glory," said Pfeffer.

The researchers appealed for further potential victims of Hengsbach to come forward, and also said they would like to hear from people who had positive experiences with Hengsbach as well.

The study is expected to take three years to complete, with an interim result to be presented in a year's time. It is expected to cost around €785,000 ($851,000).