The revelations surrounding Abbé Pierre, founder of Emmaüs, accused of sexual violence by 24 women, shocked the whole of France. This scandal casts a shadow over the image of an emblematic figure of solidarity and commitment to the most deprived. The accusations, made public in a report on September 6, concern sexual violence over a period extending from the 1950s to the 2000s, even involving minors. Faced with this controversy, the Abbé Pierre Foundation is considering changing its name to distance itself from this dark affair. In this context, Éric Cantona, former sponsor of the foundation, spoke, emphasizing his deep disillusionment with the Church.
Éric Cantona accuses: “People think that they will be protected whatever their actions”
Asked by The Sunday Tribune This October 27, Éric Cantona delivered a powerful and uncompromising testimony. Long-time involved with the Abbé Pierre Foundation, the famous ex-footballer expressed silent anger not only towards the alleged actions of Abbé Pierre, but especially towards the Catholic Church. For him, the religious institution would be above all guilty of creating an environment conducive to abuse and of protect the wrongdoers to the detriment of the victims.
“I believe that beyond Abbé Pierre, the problem is the Church. And throughout the world”he says. The 58-year-old athlete denounces a certain impunity within the Catholic institution, where those responsible can escape the consequences of their actions: “People think they will be protected regardless of their actions“he continues, a sentence loaded with meaning which reflects his distrust of the system.
The former sponsor of the Foundation even questions the motivations that may motivate certain members of the Church: “I hope I'm wrong, but wouldn't the Catholic faith be a means to satisfy their thirst for power and their vices?“he confides. The tone is harsh, and the former footballer seems to insinuate that the religious institution could sometimes serve as a cover for unacceptable behavior. According to him, the ecclesiastical authorities have a share of responsibility in turning a blind eye to reprehensible behavior.
An accusation of “misdemeanor” against the Vatican
Éric Cantona goes even further by evoking the direct responsibility of the Vatican. “The Vatican knows, but it protects. And it's a crime.”he asserts, pointing the finger at the attitude of the Church in the face of numerous accusations of sexual abuse. This statement echoes several testimonies and documents consulted by the newspaper Liberationindicating that reports had been transmitted to the Vatican since at least 1959, without any concrete action.
The revelations surrounding Abbot Pierre and the accusations made against him have an even stronger impact as this man embodied for many a model of generosity and benevolence. The testimonies gathered in the report from the Egaé firm, at the request of the Abbé Pierre Foundation, include stories of “forced kisses”, “unsolicited contacts” and even acts of penetrationaffecting vulnerable and minor people. Faced with this shock wave, the Abbé Pierre Foundation is now considering a change of name to mark its break with its founder.
