Allegations of abuse have surfaced against Abbé Pierre, the late French Roman Catholic priest and revered humanitarian, further tarnishing his legacy as a modern-day saint.
In July, the Emmaus anti-poverty charity, founded by Abbé Pierre, reported receiving allegations of sexual assault and harassment from seven women, whom they have since supported.
Following the emergence of claims from an additional 17 women, Emmaus has made the decision to distance itself from Abbé Pierre, completely removing his influence from the organization.
The priest, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 94, was celebrated for his charitable work, often ranking as one of France’s most beloved figures. Abbé Pierre founded the Emmaus movement in 1949, which now operates across more than 40 countries. His iconic caped and bearded silhouette became synonymous with Christian altruism.
In light of the latest testimonies compiled by an independent consultancy, Emmaus has announced plans to erase Abbé Pierre’s name from its official titles and branding. Changes include renaming the Abbé Pierre Foundation and a forthcoming vote by Emmaus France’s board to update its logo. The Abbé Pierre Centre in Esteville, Normandy, will permanently cease operations.
Discussions are underway regarding the future of numerous statuettes and images of the priest held by the charity.
“We are deeply shocked, hurt, and angry,” stated the head of the Abbé Pierre Foundation, expressing strong support for the victims who have bravely come forward.
This turmoil began in July when the charity disclosed former allegations from seven women, detailing incidents of inappropriate touching and unwanted advances. The most recent claims are more severe, with one woman—referred to as “J”—alleging forced sexual acts that were disclosed posthumously through her daughter.
Another woman, designated “M,” sought assistance from Abbé Pierre in the 1990s, only to endure repeated sexual violations during their meetings.
In a particularly disturbing allegation, a young girl, referred to as “X,” claimed that she was abused by the priest at the age of eight in the mid-1970s.
Reports also indicate that Abbé Pierre engaged in predatory behavior as a member of the National Assembly, where he served as a deputy from 1945 to 1951.
The Egaé report mentions additional testimonies, though many were excluded due to the anonymity of the complainants or their hesitance to provide details. Recent allegations date back to the priest’s late years.
The shocking revelations about a figure previously celebrated as an icon signify a broader issue of sexual misconduct within the Catholic Church that has increasingly come to light.
Many are left questioning why colleagues within Emmaus and the Church overlooked signs of Abbé Pierre’s inappropriate behavior, a troubling reality that persists from his earlier days when such actions were often downplayed.
Born Henri Grouès in 1912 in Lyon, Abbé Pierre was a war hero and became a household name with a passionate plea for the homeless in 1954.
Investigations have revealed that church authorities became aware of his predatory conduct shortly after his initial fame, yet chose to maintain silence.
As Abbé Pierre’s legacy continues to unravel, leaders within Emmaus have acknowledged their past awareness of his improper conduct, expressing shock at the violent nature of the recent allegations.
