A priest from the diocese of Nancy and Toul was sentenced to 18 months suspended for possession of child pornography images by the Nancy criminal court. He was acquitted of sexual assault charges brought against him, France Bleu reported on Monday. Already subject to a canonical penal decree prohibiting him from any contact with minors due to a previous conviction, he was suspended from his ecclesial functions in June 2018.
This suspension followed a report that he had sexually assaulted a minor in a retirement home in Meurthe-et-Moselle. After being informed of the facts, the diocese immediately reported the matter to the public prosecutor.
Transparency and protection of victims
Monseigneur Pierre-Yves Michel, bishop of the diocese, clarified the approach adopted to France Bleu. “When something is revealed to us, we have this rule which means that we transmit it, and the way in which the judicial institution carries out investigations is often more relevant. » This collaboration with the justice system is part of a desire to ensure transparency and the protection of victims.
In a press release, the diocese of Nancy and Toul expressed its support for the victims, while affirming its desire to seek the truth. “We became aware to what extent this can ruin a life, and how long-term the consequences can be,” declared Monsignor Michel. The diocese also recalled the existence of a diocesan listening cell, available for all people who have suffered sexual abuse from representatives of the Catholic Church in the department.
France
Related News :