Surprise reigns in the streets of the Charente commune of Ruffec. François-Xavier Grandpierre, ordained priest in June 2023, was indicted for sexual assault of a minor. The acts were allegedly committed in the Paris region.
For a few months, François-Xavier Grandpierre, a 30-year-old priest, seemed to embody the future of the diocese of Angoulême (Charente). A hope which has just ended with the indictment of the vicar of Ruffec for sexual assault on a minor. The events allegedly took place in the Paris region, and concerned a child aged between 9 and 11 years old.
François-Xavier Ruffec took office last September, after being ordained on June 25, 2023 in Angoulême Cathedral. The Bishop of Angoulême, Monseigneur Hervé Gosselin, expressed his surprise in a press release. He explains that he “learned with dismay and sadness of the indictment in the Paris region of Father François-Xavier, vicar in Ruffec, for sexual assault on a minor.” According to our information, François-Xavier Grandpierre himself reported his indictment to the diocese.
Monsignor Hervé Gosselin adds “want to first think of the young person who testified and the ordeal that is his” And “reiterate the full cooperation of the diocese with the judicial institution.”
The residents of Ruffec met on October 24, 2023 are stunned by the news. Like this gentleman, who says “to frankly regret this situation, for the Church already. I am not afraid to say it, I am a believer and it disgusts me. It is not normal, it is shameful.” For this lady, “It’s sad to see this situation.”
Yves Comptable, volunteer at the Ruffec presbytery, also explains being “very surprised and obviously shocked.” He adds : “The whole community is very sad about what is happening. It is a way of the cross for him. He is a young priest with a beautiful faith and a clear outlook.”
Michel Granger, vicar general of the diocese of Angoulême, says “surprised of course by the news, the one that François-Xavier announced to the bishop and me.” The deputy bishop of Angoulême had been living with the young priest for six months, “in community with a small team.”
We know each other, we have learned to have trust and bonds of friendship.
Michael GrangerVicar general of the diocese of Angoulême
The Vicar General calls for respect from all parties involved in this matter. Pending the results of the investigation, “what we also share with the parishioners of Ruffec, the respect to be had for everyone. First of all, there is respect for the words of this child and his family”he explains. “We also respect François-Xavier and his family. Let there be no hasty judgment, if possible, which can condemn one side or the other too quickly.”
The Versailles public prosecutor’s office is responsible for the investigation. On the website of the diocese of Angoulême, the page devoted to the ordination of François-Xavier Grandpierre has also been deleted. The priest was relieved of all his religious functions, after having spent three months in the deanery of north Charente. He was placed under judicial supervision.