Fr. Michael Schapfel – Archdiocese of Washington

| Jun 5, 2019 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Michael Schapfel

 Archdiocese of Washington

Ordained: 1983

Removed: 2010

Assigned as follows:

  • German Pastoral Mission (Washington, DC)
  • Secular Institute of Schoenstatt Diocesan Priests (Germany)

Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Michael Schapfel:

According to media reports, in April 2010, allegations that Father Michael Schapfel sexually abused numerous teenage girls were reported to the Archdiocese of Washington.

Father Michael Schapfel, a German priest who had ministered in the Archdiocese of Washington since 2004, was immediately removed from ministry and returned to Germany. He served the area’s German communities and diplomats.

Father Schapfel, who was associated with the Schoenstatt Movement, allegedly abused the young women in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The movement, which became aware of alleged abuse as early as 2004, reported the allegations to the Diocese of Mainz in 2010.

The Archdiocese of Washington said it had not received any reports of abuse by Father Schapfel during his time in DC.

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