The church revision of all accounts to which the priest had power of attorney between 2001 and 2012 was completed, confirmed the diocese of Trier at the request of katholisch.de on Tuesday.
First, the "Südwestrundfunk " (SWR) had reported on it.
The revision showed that the clergyman had illegally embezzled about 247,000 euros during this period. "The victims include the church community and groups within the church community as well as external groupings such as relief agencies," according to the diocese.
Between 2013 and 2015, the priest also embezzled around 45,000 euros. During this time, he worked in two other parish communities. "The sum of the damage is thus around 292,000 euros, of which donations amount to around 217,000 euros."
The revision for this period had already revealed that the clergyman had embezzled around 287,000 euros. "The total damage is thus around 579,000 euros."
Priest has filed for private bankruptcy
The results of the investigation have been forwarded to the competent public prosecutor's office, according to the information. "This has indicated that the investigation for statute of limitations has ceased again."
A preliminary investigation under church law was launched in November 2025 but has not yet been completed. According to the court ruling, the clergyman complied with his obligations for repayment. "He continues to be relieved of his priestly duties. He has an administrative task outside the pastoral care," according to the diocese.
Last week, it had already become known that the priest had filed for private bankruptcy.
"The diocese will now have an external body work through which possible claims exist on which creditor, whether these claims stem from a tort, what is the underlying life reason and how high the individual claim is concrete," a spokeswoman for the diocese told katholisch.de. After the completion of this reappraisal, the diocese and, if necessary, the parishes would take "the corresponding further steps".
Already, the control mechanisms within the diocese would be reviewed and adapted.
A position for compliance management was also set up.
In November 2024, the clergyman was sentenced to a 21-month suspended sentence for financial embezzlement.
The verdict at the time referred to the embezzlement of 130,000 euros.
The priest had diverted the church funds to his own accounts. In the process, he testified to having used the money for luxury goods, travel and an expensive car. After health problems, he wanted to treat himself to something.
The priest admitted his wrongdoing and apologized for it.