French Catholic Church Requests Judicial Probe Into Late Abbé Pierre's Alleged Sexual Abuse

New allegations against the humanitarian icon bring the total number of testimonies to 33, prompting calls for legal action and accountability for potential cover-ups.

• The French Bishops Conference has formally requested a judicial investigation into allegations of sexual abuse and potential cover-ups involving the late Abbé Pierre, who died in 2007.
• A third report commissioned by the Emmaüs charity revealed nine new accusations this week, bringing the total number of testimonies against Abbé Pierre to 33, spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s.
• The allegations include sexual assault on minors and vulnerable individuals, with some testimonies describing severe acts such as penetration and harassment.
• The church has faced criticism for its handling of the allegations and has opened its archives on Abbé Pierre to researchers and journalists to uncover the truth.
• Emmaüs and the Abbé Pierre Foundation have expressed support for the victims, while several French cities and organizations have distanced themselves from Abbé Pierre's legacy by renaming public spaces and removing memorials.

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