Accusations against the "father of the poor" Abbé Pierre allegedly sexually assaulted women

He was revered as the "father of the poor" during his lifetime and died in 2007. Now several women are making allegations of abuse against the French priest Abbé Pierre.

Several women have made allegations of abuse against France's "father of the poor" Abbé Pierre, who died in 2007. This was announced in Paris by the international social movement Emmaus, founded by Abbé Pierre. An investigation was commissioned last year after there was evidence of abuse of a woman by the highly revered priest during his lifetime.

"As part of this study, testimonies were collected from seven women who reported behavior that could indicate sexual assault or sexual harassment by Abbé Pierre between the late 1970s and 2005," Emmaus announced. One of the women was a minor at the time of the first acts. The assaults affected employees, volunteers and young women from Abbé Pierre's personal circle.

Probably more victims

According to the study, it is reasonable to assume that there are other victims whose numbers are difficult to estimate, Emmaus announced. An anonymous contact point will be set up for other possible victims of abuse and witnesses of abusive behavior by Abbé Pierre.

The allegations of abuse have come as a severe shock in France, where Abbé Pierre topped the rankings of the most popular Frenchmen for many years. "These revelations shake our structures, in which the figure of Abbé Pierre occupies an important place," Emmaus announced.

The social conscience of France

"Each of us knows his story and his message. These actions profoundly change the way we look at a man known above all for his fight against poverty, misery and marginalization." France's Catholic Bishops' Conference also expressed its shock at the accusations.

Abbé Pierre became the social conscience of France with his commitment to the poorest of the poor. He died in 2007 at the age of 94.