German officials say prosecutors in Ingolstadt have launched a preliminary investigation, involving a case of sexual abuse, against Augsburg Bishop Walter Mixa. Mixa, 69, offered his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI last month after allegations he physically abused children decades ago.
The daily Augsburger Allgemeine reported Friday that Ingolstadt prosecutors had launched a preliminary investigation against the bishop after a complaint of alleged sexual abuse.
The Augsburg diocese said in a statement it had alerted authorities to a complaint, but refused to comment further.
Ingolstadt persecutors were not responding to calls Friday.
Mixa's attorney Gerhard Decker told the paper his client "resolutely denied" the allegation and “will cooperate with the Ingolstadt prosecution to the fullest extent to clear the case up completely.”
Mixa had caused an uproar when he blamed the abuse of children by Catholic priests on the sexual revolution of the 60s and 70s.
SIC: DNER