Shadow Over a Saint: Abbe Pierre Accused of Sexual Abuse

Abbe Pierre, the French Catholic priest once celebrated as a tireless champion for the homeless, now stands accused of sexual abuse. The charities he founded, Emmaus International and Fondation Abbe Pierre, confirmed the allegations, expressing their belief in the victims and solidarity with them.

Seven women, one a minor at the time, have come forward with allegations of sexual assault or harassment. These accusations involve employees, volunteers, and young women close to Abbe Pierre. Emmaus International, in a statement released on Wednesday, marked this as the first public acknowledgment of these disturbing claims.

“Our organizations commend the bravery of those who have spoken out,” Emmaus stated. “We believe their testimonies and recognize the lasting impact of these intolerable acts. We stand by them.”

The allegations surfaced after a woman reported an assault to Emmaus International a year ago. In response, the charity commissioned Egae, a group specializing in violence prevention, to investigate and analyze the claims. According to their findings, the incidents span from the late 1970s to 2005.

Henri-Antoine Groues, known to the world as Abbe Pierre, was a Roman Catholic priest who abandoned his wealthy background to fight for the poor. His efforts made him one of France’s most respected figures until his death in 2007 at age 94.

“This revelation deeply alters our perception of a man known for his relentless fight against poverty and exclusion,” Emmaus noted. They pledged ongoing support for the victims and continued collection of confidential testimonies.

The French Bishops’ Conference expressed profound sorrow upon learning of these reports, recognizing the gravity of the accusations against Abbe Pierre.

Born into a silk merchant family, Abbe Pierre renounced his privileged life to become a monk. He earned his moniker during World War II as a resistance chaplain, forging ID papers to save refugees. In 1949, he began his mission for the homeless, gaining national fame in 1954 with a passionate radio appeal during a harsh winter.