Topline
An estimated 330,000 children were sexually abused in France by Catholic priests since 1950. The report, which was released Tuesday by an independent commission, reveals that the extent of sexual exploitation of minors within the church is far greater than previously thought.
Jean-Marc Sauve, president of Commission (L), is flanked by Bishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort (+), president of Bishops' Conference in France (CEF) and Sister Veronique Margron... (C), president Religious' Conference in France (CORREF) during publication of a report of an independent commission into the sexual abuse of church officials (Ciase), in Paris. AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
An independent commission, which was established three years ago to assist the Catholic Church in France in preparing a 2,500-page report on the findings of child sexual assault among clergy members, shared these findings. The report concluded that at least 2,900 to 3200 clergy members were involved in child sexual assault. This estimate was based on demographic analysis and archival data. While the commission has identified approximately 2,700 victims of abuse, extensive research and polling data indicate that about 216,000 victims were abused in clergy abuse. This number could rise to 330,000 if you include abuse by lay church members. Jean-March Sauv was the head of the commission. He noted that not only did the church fail to take appropriate measures to prevent abuse, but it also failed to report abuse and sometimes put children in contact with predators. The French state should be assisting victims of abuse in cases that are not too old to be prosecuted in court. The head of the French bishops conference asked for forgiveness from victims and stated that the body would meet Tuesday to discuss its next steps.
Big Number
80%. The report stated that 80% of victims were boys from diverse social backgrounds.
Important Quote
Olivier Savignac is the head of Parler et Revivre, a sexual abuse survivors group. He said that he saw the priest as a good person, someone who cared about me, and would not hurt me. It was only when I was lying on the bed, half-naked, and he touched me, that I realized something was amiss.
Important Background
After growing criticism of the French catholic church's handling of sexual abuse scandals, the commission was created in 2018. It was a time of low public confidence and shrinking congregations that the commission was established. This French report comes after similar revelations in several other countries about sexual abuse of Roman Catholic clergy in the United States, Germany and Australia.
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New York Times: French Report Reveals Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church
French report: 330,000 victims of church sex abuse by children (Associated Press).
