The pontiff spoke to journalists on the plane returning him from a tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. He said the Vatican had learned of the accusations of sexual assault against Abbé Pierre “certainly after [s]to death”.
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The accusations of rape and sexual violence involving Abbé Pierre have caused a reaction even from Pope Francis. “This person is a terrible sinner”declared the sovereign pontiff about the famous French man of the Church, Friday, September 13, in front of the journalists present on the plane which was bringing him back from a tour of South-East Asia and Oceania.
He said the Vatican had learned of the accusations of sexual assault against Abbé Pierre. “certainly after [s]to death” (in 2007). “But before, I don’t know”he added. After initial revelations in July, 17 new testimonies accuse Abbé Pierre of sexual violence.
The diocese of Grenoble-Vienne, to which Abbé Pierre was attached, has decided to open its archives. All the documents preserved will be “available now for consultation by all authorized and accredited persons: researchers, members of the commission of experts announced by Emmaüs, and journalists investigating Abbé Pierre”the press release states.