Despite sexual abuse allegations against the French homeless charity founder Abbé Pierre, no criminal investigation will proceed due to statutes of limitation following his death in 2007.
French prosecutors announced Tuesday that no criminal investigation will be launched regarding the numerous accusations of sexual assault against anti-poverty campaigner Abbé Pierre, as the priest passed away in 2007 and the statute of limitations applies to any failure to report these alleged crimes.
The French Bishops' Conference (CEF) – which had urged the Paris public prosecutor's office to explore legal avenues – expressed disappointment at the move while acknowledging the reasoning behind the decision.
"We regret this outcome, though we understand it," the CEF told AFP.
Despite this, the CEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims and uncovering the full truth about Abbé Pierre's actions.
French charity turns its back on founding father accused of sexual abuse
Fall from grace
Once revered for his dedication to social justice, Abbé Pierre – born Henri Grouès – has faced posthumous scrutiny, with 33 accusations of sexual violence brought against him by the end of January 2024.
The allegations came to light through three separate reports released since July 2024 by the Egaé consultancy.
Commissioned by the Emmaüs movement and the Abbé Pierre Foundation, the reports shed new light on the priest's troubling past.
The first report, detailing instances of sexual harassment and assault, sent shockwaves through France, tarnishing the reputation of a man once hailed as a champion for the poor.
When the latest findings were made public in mid-January, Emmaüs condemned its founder as a "predator," revealing further allegations, including the rape of a minor and misconduct involving a member of his own family. The accusations span from the 1950s to the 2000s.
Following these revelations, the Catholic Church – through CEF President Éric de Moulins-Beaufort – formally requested an inquiry in January.
The case was referred to prosecutors for potential charges related to the failure to report sexual crimes against minors and vulnerable individuals.
French charity turns its back on founding father accused of sexual abuse
Legal Dead End
However, in a letter dated 24 January, the Paris public prosecutor's office concluded that no legal action could proceed.
Since Abbé Pierre is deceased, any case against him will be automatically dismissed.
Furthermore, any potential prosecution for failure to report crimes was deemed beyond the statute of limitations.
The prosecutor's office emphasised that judicial investigations serve to determine whether crimes can and should be prosecuted.
While authorities occasionally investigate historical child abuse cases to identify other possible victims, no further legal steps could be taken in this instance.
"If more recent, unexpired offenses had been identified, the prosecution could have initiated proceedings," the prosecutor explained. "But that is obviously impossible when the accused is no longer alive".
Under French law, failure to report a crime is considered a separate offence. However, after analysing the Egaé reports, prosecutors found no case where legal action was still possible.
For Aurore Bergé, Minister for Equality between Women and Men, the Abbé Pierre case highlights how statutes of limitations prevent survivors from seeking justice.
"This is exactly why I have introduced a bill that would establish a civil statute of limitations for sexual violence against minors," she stated on X.
Legacy Rewritten
In response to the revelations, the institutions built around Abbé Pierre's legacy have taken decisive action.
The Abbé Pierre Foundation, originally established in 1987 to fight homelessness, officially changed its name on 25 January to the "Foundation for Housing the Disadvantaged".
Emmaüs France – the organisation founded by the priest in 1949 – has severed links to his image, permanently shut down a memorial dedicated to him in the town of Esteville and advised affiliated groups to remove all visuals of Abbé Pierre.
(with wires)
