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The Reverend Doctor
Hans Zollner
SJ
Born (1966-11-19) November 19, 1966 (age 57)
Regensburg, West Germany
OccupationProfessor
Academic work
DisciplinePsychologist, psychotherapist, theologian
InstitutionsPontifical Gregorian University, Rome
Main interestsSafeguarding of minors; psychology and spirituality of religion
Websitewww.unigre.it/it/docenti/scheda/?id=1491

Hans Zollner, SJ (born 19 November 1966) is a German Jesuit priest, theologian and psychologist, Professor at the Gregorian University, Director of its Institute of Anthropology. Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC) and one of the leading experts on safeguarding and prevention of sexual abuse.

Life

Zollner was born in Regensburg, Germany, in 1966[1] and has been a member of the Jesuits since 1990. He studied philosophy and theology in Regensburg and Innsbruck.[2] He completed his Doctorate in Theology at University of Innsbruck, and obtained a Licentiate in Psychology at the Institute of Psychology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.[3] Zollner is a licensed psychotherapist.[1]

Since 2003, he has taught at the Pontifical Gregorian University's Institute of Psychology. Zollner filled the roles of academic Vice Rector and Dean of the Institute of Psychology of the Gregorian from 2010 to 2019.[4]

Zollner is regarded as one of the leading ecclesiastical experts in the field of safeguarding from sexual abuse, especially in the Catholic Church. He has been a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors since its creation in 2014[5] His membership was confirmed on 17 February 2018.[6] He currently serves as Director of the Institute of Anthropology. Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC) at the Gregorian.[7] The IADC began as the Centre for Child Protection (CCP), founded in Munich in January 2012 and moved to the Gregorian in February 2015.[8] In 2010–2011 he was a member of the Scientific Working Group of the “Round Table on Child Abuse” commissioned by the Federal Government of Germany.[9]

He is also Honorary Professor in the Department of Theology and Religion of the University of Durham (England).[4] On 1 April 2017, Pope Francis appointed him as a consultor to the Congregation for the Clergy.[10]

As of October 2020, he has visited 70 countries to address workshops and episcopal conferences on the need for developing awareness and establishing safeguarding measures. Hans Zollner views safeguarding minors as one of the main tasks the Catholic Church needs to have at heart.[11]

In March 2023, Zollner resigned from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, citing leadership issues and other concerns in a public letter.[12] The commission's president, the American cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley, had earlier cited different reasons for Zollner's resignation and, upon the publishing of Zollner's letter, issued a statement disputing his allegations.[13]

Publications and Credentials

Chair Activities

Editorial Activities

External links

References

  1. ^ a b "Rev. Dr. Hans Zollner, SJ, PCPM Bio". Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  2. ^ Allen Jr., John L. (16 February 2013). "Jesuit expert calls Benedict 'great reformer' on sex abuse". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  3. ^ Nary, Gordon (18 January 2020). "An Interview with Father Hans Zollner, S.J." Profiles in Catholicism. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Hans Zollner SJ Curriculum vitae". Pontifical Gregorian University. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  5. ^ McElwee, Joshua J. (22 March 2014). "O'Malley, abuse survivor named members of new Vatican clergy abuse commission". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Comunicato della Pontificia Commissione per la Tutela dei Minori, 17.02.2018" (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  7. ^ "Safeguarding expert to lead Rome's new anthropology institute". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  8. ^ McElwee, Joshua J. (17 February 2015). "Sexual abuse prevention center moves to Rome's Gregorian University". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  9. ^ "Rev. Dr. Hans Zollner, SJ, PCPM Bio". Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Rinunce e Nomine, 01.04.2017" (Press release) (in Italian). Holy See Press Office. 1 April 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  11. ^ "Q&A with Hans Zollner SJ 02 January 2017" (PDF). Child Protection Centre (Interview). Interviewed by Christopher Lamb. 2 January 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  12. ^ "Top expert resigns from Vatican committee against child sex abuse". Reuters. 2023-03-29. Retrieved 2023-03-30.
  13. ^ "Statement from Card. O' Malley (Update) | Tutela Minorum". www.tutelaminorum.org. Retrieved 2023-03-30.
  14. ^ "Rev. Dr. Hans Zollner, SJ, PCPM Bio". Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
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