French church calls for judicial investigation into Abbé Pierre following new sex abuse allegations

The French church has formally requested that prosecutors open an investigation into Abbé Pierre, a once-revered priest and humanitarian icon who died in 2007, following new revelations of sexual violence. Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops’ Conference, announced the move Friday. He said on RMC radio that “we must get to the bottom of the truth — uncover any additional victims, accomplices, and failures to report these crimes.” Abbé Pierre, born Henri Grouès, was celebrated for his tireless work with the poor and for founding the Emmaüs movement, which aids the homeless and marginalized. However, his legacy is now being overshadowed by mounting allegations of abuse.