On Friday, September 13, Pope Francis made a landmark statement concerning Abbé Pierre, the emblematic figure now accused of sexual assault by several women. The pontiff asserted that the priest, despite all the good he was able to accomplish, was “a terrible sinner.”

On his return from his trip to Asia, the Pope stressed the importance of condemning such acts: “Public sins must be denounced. Abbé Pierre certainly did so much good, but he was also a terrible sinner”, he declared with gravity.

The Vatican informed for years

According to information relayed by Le Monde, the Pope also revealed that the Vatican had been aware of Abbé Pierre’s reprehensible behavior for a long time, although the exact details of the period remain unclear. “I don’t know precisely when the Vatican became aware of it, but certainly after his death in 2007,” Francis clarified, adding that he had not sought to investigate the affair in depth until then.

A long-awaited speech

This is the first time the Pope has spoken out since the publication, in mid-July, of the Emmaus report revealing the testimonies of several victims. This shocking report has shed new light on the controversial figure of Abbé Pierre, now described by some as a “sexual predator”.

Pope Francis firmly denounced the “crime” of sexual abuse of children and minors, adding that “it is a disgrace” and that it is essential to be “clear about these facts” and “not to conceal them”.

Places dedicated to Abbé Pierre renamed

Following the publication of new testimonies on September 6, Emmaüs announced the creation of an independent commission to examine the malfunctions that enabled Abbé Pierre to act with impunity for over 50 years. At the same time, several schools, parks and streets bearing his name will be renamed, marking a collective determination to face up to this dark legacy.

Pope Francis’ speech marks a turning point in the way the Catholic Church approaches these affairs, advocating transparency and refusing to conceal these tragic realities.