Abbé Pierre Case: No Investigation Opened Due to Statute of Limitations

The Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Tuesday, February 4, that no criminal investigation will be opened regarding the sexual assault accusations against Abbé Pierre, who passed away in 2007. The statute of limitations prevents any legal proceedings, including those related to the failure to report the alleged crimes.

A Request from the Catholic Church Left Unanswered

In mid-January, the Catholic Church submitted a report to the judiciary, requesting an investigation into a possible failure to report cases of rape and sexual assault involving minors and vulnerable individuals. In a letter dated January 24, the prosecutor’s office responded that legal action was not possible, as the accused had passed away, and that the statute of limitations applied to all related offenses.

The Legal Limits of the Case

The prosecutor’s office noted that, in some cases, investigations into time-barred offenses can still be opened if they help identify other potential victims for whom legal action could still be taken. However, this does not apply in this case, as Abbé Pierre is deceased.

Reactions from the Church and Institutions

The Conference of Bishops of France (CEF) expressed regret over the prosecutor’s decision while reaffirming its solidarity with the victims. It reiterated its commitment to uncovering the full truth about Abbé Pierre’s actions.

The scandal emerged in the summer of 2024 following the publication of three reports by the Egaé firm, commissioned by the Emmaüs movement and the Abbé Pierre Foundation. These documents revealed 33 allegations of sexual violence, some dating back to the 1950s.

In response, the Abbé Pierre Foundation officially changed its name on January 25, becoming the Foundation for Housing the Underprivileged, signaling a clear effort to separate its social mission from the controversy surrounding its founder.