Pope Francis Denounces ‘Demonic’ Abuse as Fresh Claims Against Iconic Priest Shock Catholics
New Allegations Surface Against Revered Priest
Pope Francis has denounced sexual abuse as “demonic” in response to new allegations against Abbé Pierre, one of France’s most revered public figures. The late priest, known for his tireless work with the homeless, now faces a total of 24 accusations of sexual assault and harassment, with the most recent 17 claims revealed by Emmaus International.
Abbé Pierre’s Tarnished Legacy
Abbé Pierre, who passed away in 2007, was the founder of the Emmaus Community, a global charity helping the poor and homeless. He was seen as a hero in France, especially after pushing for a law in the 1950s that prevented landlords from evicting tenants during winter.
However, recent investigations by Emmaus have unveiled disturbing allegations dating back to the 1950s. The accusations include unsolicited breast touching, forced kisses, and sexual contact with both adults and a child.
Pope Francis Speaks Out
When asked about the Vatican’s knowledge of Abbé Pierre’s misconduct, Pope Francis admitted that he didn’t know when the Holy See first became aware of the allegations, stating that it was likely after Abbé Pierre’s death. He emphasized the need for transparency, saying:
“We have to speak clearly about these things, and not hide them. Abuse is demonic because it destroys the dignity of a person.”
A Broader Scandal
The revelations about Abbé Pierre echo previous scandals involving respected Catholic figures, such as Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche movement, and Timorese Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Both men were also later revealed to have abused their positions of power for sexual misconduct.
Emmaus Takes Action
In response to the mounting allegations, Emmaus and the Abbé Pierre Foundation are distancing themselves from their founder. They plan to change the foundation’s name, update their logos, and close a memorial dedicated to the priest.
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