Abbé Pierre and the Papal Admission of Awareness on Allegations
Significant Revelations About Abbé Pierre
The Pope confirmed that the Vatican was aware of sexual assault allegations against Abbé Pierre at least since 2007. This admission has created a stir, as François described the founder of Emmaus as a 'terrible sinner.'
Details of the Allegations
- After Pierre's death in 2007 at the age of 94, 17 new testimonies emerged.
- These testimonies claim that Pierre committed sexual violence from the 1950s to the 2000s.
- Pope François referred to this as a 'very painful, very delicate' issue.
The Reality of Abuse and Its Consequences
Pope François emphasized the need for clarity regarding abuse, stating that public sins must not be covered up. He remarked, 'The public sinners are public, and they must be condemned.' He acknowledged the contradiction in Abbé Pierre's life, where he did much good yet was also a sinner.
The Pope's Call to Action
He urged for action against all forms of abuse, calling it demonic, as it destroys human dignity. The Pope emphasized the necessity for ongoing dialogue and efforts to combat not only sexual abuse, but all forms of social and educational abuse.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.