The men suspected of attacking women in Cologne on New Year's Eve were "almost exclusively" from a migration background, mainly North African and Arab, an official report says.
Cologne police also made "serious mistakes" in not calling reinforcements and the way they informed the public.
More than 500 criminal complaints were filed, 40% alleging sexual assault.
Apparent retaliatory attacks in Cologne on Sunday were condemned by the government as inexcusable.
The Pope meanwhile said Europe's "humanistic spirit" risked being undermined.
The "immense influx" of migrants was causing problems, he said, but the continent had the means to strike a balance between protecting its citizens and helping migrants. [BBC] Read more
