Audit Reveals Decades of Sexual Abuse by French Missionary Priests Abroad

A new report highlights 63 cases of abuse across 14 countries since 1950, with calls for further investigations and victim reparations.

The Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP) released an audit detailing 63 incidents of sexual violence by priests between 1950 and 2024, involving 46 priests across 14 countries.
The report identifies 8 confirmed cases of abuse and 55 allegations, with many incidents involving minors and women, particularly in France, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Investigators believe the actual number of victims is likely much higher due to underreporting and systemic barriers to disclosure in affected countries.
The audit criticizes decades of inadequate responses, including minimized allegations and failure to report cases to civil authorities until 2016.
The MEP has committed to implementing prevention measures, improving victim support, and conducting annual reports, though questions remain about reparations and accountability.