In mid-July, revelations about the popular priest Abbe Pierre shocked not only France but beyond. Now, the allegations of abuse against the former national icon are gaining strength.
Further serious accusations have been raised against the French priest Abbe Pierre (1912-2007), known as the “father of the homeless.” The Emmaus movement he founded published new allegations on Friday, which have been reported since July at a specially established contact point.
Allegation: Sexual assaults against women and children
According to reports, at least 17 additional witness statements have been gathered in recent weeks that implicate the Catholic priest. He is accused of sexual assaults against women and minors.
The allegations reportedly resemble those made public on July 17 by the international and French Emmaus communities, as well as the Abbe-Pierre Foundation based in France. At that time, it concerned seven corresponding cases.
Emmaus announces investigation
In light of the strengthening allegations, the Emmaus movement has now announced significant consequences: The name of the Abbe-Pierre Foundation is to be changed, and Emmaus France plans to remove the founder’s name from its own logo.
A memorial dedicated to the founder in Esteville, France, will remain closed until clarity regarding its future use is established. Moreover, Emmaus International announced the establishment of an expert commission to clarify the failings that “allowed Abbe Pierre to act as he did for over 50 years.”
Contact point for affected individuals
The contact point for affected individuals, set up in July, will remain open at least until the end of 2024. “We reaffirm our full support for the victims. We commend their courage and thank them for their trust. We believe them and we stand by them,” stated the organizations of the Emmaus movement in their joint declaration.
The Catholic French Bishops’ Conference also expressed its dismay over the new revelations. In a statement, the bishops assured their full cooperation in clarifying the allegations against Abbe Pierre.
Abbe Pierre was an icon
For many years in France, the priest was considered a kind of national icon. The name he became known by originates from World War II when he resisted the German occupiers as part of the Resistance. For a long time, the social activist was ranked as the most popular Frenchman. Specifically for the left wing of French Catholicism, he was “the” figure of identification.
Henri Antoine Groues, as Abbe Pierre’s civil name was, founded the Emmaus community in 1949. Today, with its self-help efforts, it combats poverty and homelessness in nearly 40 countries worldwide. (kna)
Link to the statement from the Emmaus movement
Statement from the bishops
© Catholic Media Center, 07.09.2024
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