Pope Francis recently disclosed that the Vatican had long been aware of the sexual misconduct of Abbé Pierre, with several women accusing him of assault, including a minor at the time. The revelations came during the Pope’s return from his tour of Asia, where he condemned such actions as a crime and disgrace. The Church leader emphasized the importance of openness and commended efforts to uncover such abuses, such as the investigative work initiated by Emmaüs, the organization founded by Abbé Pierre.
The disclosures prompted additional victims to come forward, with reports detailing incidents of assault dating back to 1956. The findings underscored a culture of silence maintained by bishops and administrators, raising questions about accountability and the protection of victims within the Church. The latest report exposed even more alarming details, with the youngest victim identified as an eight-year-old. These revelations highlight the urgent need for transparency and accountability in addressing cases of abuse within religious institutions.