Pope Francis Condemns 'Demonic' Acts of Late French Priest

Pope Francis condemned the alleged sexual abuses by Abbé Pierre, a revered French priest and advocate for the homeless, labeling the acts as 'demonic'. The Emmaus Community revealed additional allegations against Pierre, leading to outrage within the French Catholic community. Emmaus has taken steps to distance itself from its founder.

Pope Francis has condemned the sexual abuses committed by the late French priest Abbé Pierre, describing the acts as 'demonic'. This follows new allegations made by Emmaus International, the organization founded by Pierre.

Abb é Pierre, who died in 2007, was a beloved figure in France known for his advocacy for the homeless. However, recent revelations indicate he was also a sexual predator. Emmaus confirmed 17 new cases of abuse, adding to the seven disclosed in July. These allegations have sparked outrage among French Catholics.

Francis addressed the scandal during a press conference on his flight back from Asia, stating that the Vatican only learned of Pierre's crimes posthumously. He emphasized the need for transparency about such issues, calling abuse a 'demonic' act that destroys human dignity.

(With inputs from agencies.)