German Regional Court Considers Civil Action Against Benedict XVI.

The Traunstein Regional Court has taken the first steps in proceedings against the laicised abuse priest Peter H., as well as against Benedict XVI, 95, Cardinal Friedrich Wetter (formerly of Munich), 94, and the Munich Archdiocese.

The case concerns the complaint of a victim of H., who had continued to be employed in the Archdiocese of Munich despite a previous conviction.

The Regional Court has not yet dealt with the substance of the complaint. A civil action cannot be dismissed.

It is unlikely that there will be a public hearing, as the matter is well within the statute of limitations.

Benedikt has eight weeks to comment on the allegations.

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