A priest in custody for raping a septuagenarian – Le Figaro

A priest, who is subject to a charge of sexual assault and rape of a septuagenarian, was placed in custody in Auch, did we learn today judicial source and with the Archbishop of the city.

Fleurance parishes and parish priest of the Mauvezin (Gers) is understood since Monday by the police as part of a criminal investigation in Agen, said the prosecutor, Pierre Aurignac. The respondent, Father Edward, Beninese priest aged about fifty years, was “relieved of all pastoral function,” said the Archbishop of Auch, during a press conference, speaking of a “sad event”. The case dates back to 4 September 2015, when the archbishop had received two calls about the facts: the first in the morning, from the alleged victim and the second in the afternoon, a man

“These two calls accusing Father Edward. as required by law, I immediately contacted the prosecutor Auch so that justice can handle the matter,” said the prelate.
On 8 September, a meeting was held between the prelate and the prosecutor about this priest. This is a religious dependent on the Azazoumé Not Younoussou parish and who completes a second three-year contract of cooperation with the Archdiocese of Auch.

Recalling that a bishop “never confess his priests, out of respect for their privacy,” the prelate acknowledged that the priest in question, whom he met on September 11 had shown “very remote relation to the charges of which he is the subject.”

“There are things I can not find clear. He had a very surprising passivity reaction. There was no denial from him. It’s amazing,” said he said.

According to Bishop Gardès prior complaints, this priest enjoyed “a very good image in the parishes he was in charge” was “highly respected and appreciated, always (…) very close to parishioners “. “For us it’s a shock. We are stunned,” he said, adding that he would send a statement to the Religious Community of the Gers “to inform him of the facts and (s) are recommendations” . According to the Archbishop of Auch, the episcopal council and archbishop of Toulouse – who has authority over that of Auch – were seized and the Nunciature (Apostolic Nuncio) and the Vatican. The Bishop of Benin, Bishop Gnon Not Houssouve, was informed and went in the Gers

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