Mainz, Germany - A paedophile priest in Germany has applied to Pope Benedict XVI to resign from the priesthood after admitting that he molested boarding-school boys in the 1970s, his order said Tuesday.

At least 16 men have come forward to say they were forced into sexual acts as boys at the school, near Bad Neustadt an der Saale, 110 kilometres east of Frankfurt.

The incidents happened too long ago, between 1972 and 1976, to be prosecuted as crimes. The school closed in 1978.

The Missionaries of the Holy Family expressed regret to the victims and said the man, 71, would cease to be a priest, but would remain with the order as a brother.

The order said the resignation meant victims would not have to appear before a canonical court to give evidence.

Former pupils said the man raped boys in the dormitories as other boys watched.

The order said from its office in Mainz, Germany that he will be prohibited from any contact with children or young men and will be dismissed from the order if he breaks the rule.

"He has owned up to his guilt," the statement by the order said. It would assist former victims to obtain counselling.

The scandal became public in summer this year when a theologian who was educated at the school revealed the acts, leading to the priest being suspended from his tasks as chaplain at an old people's home. (dpa)