French church knew of sexual abuse by late priest Abbé Pierre, bishop says

RFI

17 September 2024 at 1:43 am·1-min read

The head of the French bishops’ council has admitted that several of its officials were aware of Abbé Pierre's alleged sexual abuse of women for decades. And while “measures” had been put in place to address the priest's behaviour, it continued until his death in 2007.

In an open letter published Le Monde on Monday, Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, the current head of the French bishops’ council, said that “at least some bishops” were aware as early as 1955 of Abbé Pierre’s “seriously bad behaviour” towards women.

Some measures had been taken, including “psychological therapy” and the appointment of an assistant, whose surveillance Abbe Pierre “did his best to [evade]”.

These were considered strong measures at the time, according to Moulins-Beaufort, who reiterated that the French church is committed to making sure the “truth is revealed on the facts of violence and sexual violence”.

French charity turns its back on founding father accused of sexual abuse

Sexual assault accusations

Noting that Abbé Pierre was an adored figure in France in the 1990s, Moulins-Beaufort said that no one had made any allegations at the time.

Since then, the church has opened hotlines and reparations mechanisms, and people have come forward, he said.

(with AFP)

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