"The Diocese of Regensburg declines legal actions from victims of violence and abuse, asserting they lack limitless assets"

In a significant legal case, Matthias Podszus, a former student of the Domspatzen preparatory school in Pielenhofen, is demanding compensation from the Diocese of Regensburg. Podszus alleges that he was sexually abused by Johann Meier during his time at the school.

Podszus, who is now the most vocal victim demanding legal proceedings against the diocese, is seeking millions in compensation for pain, suffering, and lost earnings. The diocese, however, has refused an out-of-court settlement and prefers a public trial, citing financial considerations despite its considerable wealth.

The Regensburg Regional Court has ruled that the allegations of sexual crimes by Meier have not yet become time-barred. The diocese's lawyer suggests that the ongoing proceedings may wear down Podszus, implying that this could be a strategy to prolong the case.

Podszus was subjected to the regime of Johann Meier, who is described as a sadistic tyrant. If the court were to fully grant Podszus' lawsuit, the Diocese of Regensburg could face a gross claim of significantly over one million euros.

In a surprising turn of events, the diocese has rejected a settlement offer and is preparing for a public trial to maintain its assets. The diocese's net worth is around 135 million euros, with a balance sheet total of its conglomerate reaching 1.7 billion euros. The diocese also has 84.5 million euros in liquid assets and an annual surplus of nearly 11.5 million euros in the 2023 financial year.

Despite the financial resources at its disposal, the diocese's lawyer argues that there is no insistence on a legally sound proof of the allegations and that this leads to payments being made that the claimant may not actually deserve. The lawyer also states that a balancing act between the acceptable use of funds and victim protection is necessary.

In a gesture towards victims of violence and abuse, the diocese has provided Podszus with 50,000 euros in "recognition payments" from a committee set up for this purpose. However, the diocese's lawyer considers this payment as a "compensation" and a "Christian gesture" towards victims.

Podszus has expressed his willingness to attend a conciliation hearing, citing psychological strain from the ongoing proceedings. Despite the strain, Podszus is determined to continue the fight, stating that he owes it to himself and to other victims who no longer have the strength to do so.

The diocese has rejected a conciliation procedure with a victim of violence and abuse, citing a lack of unlimited funds. The diocese, in its argument for lack of funds, mentions a virtually inexhaustible number of needy people who depend on its support.

The equity of the Diocese of Regensburg is approaching the billion mark, currently at around 963 million euros. The diocese's stance on the legal proceedings raises questions about its commitment to addressing past abuses and providing justice to victims. The case is expected to continue in the courts.