On Monday, the Church of France expressed its fear at the “accumulation of facts” concerning Abbé Pierre, after the publication of a report revealing nine new accusations of sexual violence, including rape of a minor and alleged assaults on members of his own family. This report, written by the specialized firm Egaé, brings to 33 the number of testimonies accusing the priest who died in 2007.
“The accumulation of facts now known perpetrated by this priest, who was so admired, is horrifying,” declared the Conference of Bishops of France (CEF) in a press release. Deeply marked by these revelations, the CEF “thinks with immense sorrow” of all the victims and “encourages anyone attacked” to seek help if they wish. The Church offers several listening and support systems, including a dedicated number and two email addresses, in partnership with the France Victimes association.
Commitment to transparency and justice
The CEF reaffirms its “determination” to shed light on “the crimes committed by Abbé Pierre and the silences from which he could have benefited”. She also reiterated her desire to collaborate fully with the judicial authorities, while making her archives available to the members of the Historical Commission set up by the Emmaus movement.
Faced with these revelations, the Church of France intends to continue its efforts to support the victims and guarantee total transparency on past events. The seriousness of the accusations deals a severe blow to the image of Abbé Pierre, long considered a national hero, and calls into question the duty of vigilance and justice within religious and social institutions.
Facts spanning several decades
The report specifies that the acts alleged against Abbé Pierre took place between the 1960s and the 2000s, mainly in France, but also abroad. These facts highlight a disturbing reality regarding a figure long considered a model of humanism and solidarity.
“Realize that he used his media aura and the social work he had built […] to sexually abuse women, children and people in precarious situations, is appalling,” the press release further underlines.
France
