Legacy Under Fire: Abbe Pierre Accused of Sexual Assault

Abbe Pierre, the revered French Catholic priest and lifelong advocate for the homeless, has been accused of sexual assault. Seven women reported incidents spanning from the 1970s to 2005. Emmaus International, the charity he founded, supports the victims and vows to continue offering assistance.

Revered French Catholic priest Abbe Pierre, a prominent advocate for the homeless, faces sexual assault accusations, his founded charities confirmed. They stand by the victims and affirm the credibility of these claims.

A report by Emmaus International and the Fondation Abbe Pierre revealed that seven women, including one minor, have reported acts of sexual assault and harassment, making these allegations public for the first time.

"Our organizations salute the bravery of those who have spoken out. These intolerable acts have left lasting impacts, and we stand by the victims," Emmaus said. The organizations commissioned the report following a year-old sexual assault claim. They engaged the Egae group to conduct a detailed listening and analysis exercise.

According to the NGO, Abbe Pierre, known for his tireless fight against poverty, committed these acts between the late 1970s and 2005. Abbe Pierre, born Henri-Antoine Groues, died in 2007 at the age of 94.

"These revelations significantly alter our perception of a man celebrated for his anti-poverty efforts," Emmaus added, emphasizing their continued support and commitment to collecting confidential testimonies.

The French Bishops' Conference expressed deep sorrow over the allegations. Abbe Pierre, a former monk and resistance chaplain, had renounced wealth to become a prominent campaigner for the homeless since 1949.

(With inputs from agencies.)