Pope Benedict XVI’s older brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, has recently issued a public apology to former members of Regensburger Domspatzen boys choir, in which he directed for thirty years from 1964 until 1994. The apology was directed at the fact that many members of the choir have come forth and claimed to have been both sexually and physically abused during their time in the choir.

Although many of the claims of sexual abuse predate his time as choir director, he still felt the need to apologize to any victims. He stated he was unaware of anyone in that type of situation and is very sorry that it happened to people. On the topic of physical abuse however, he did admit that he took part in corporal punishment that he understands could be interpreted as physical abuse today. He asked for forgiveness in his part with the abuse, and stated it was part of the discipline system of the choir. He says he never felt good about doing it, and was very pleased when corporal punishment was banned in 1980.

While the investigation is currently ongoing, authorities are pleased that the 86 year-old man has apologized, and hope others will follow.