The Bishop of Orleans reveals a case of pedophile priest in his diocese – Le Figaro

Mgr Jacques Blaquart, bishop of Loiret, revealed on Monday during a press conference, removing the ministries of a priest indicted in 2012 for pedophilia.

the events occurred on the occasion of a camp of the Eucharistic youth Movement (JEM) when officiating priest as chaplain in 1993, in the southwest of France, explained Monsignor Jacques Blaquart told reporters Monday. The Bishop of Orleans had been contacted by a victim in 2011 and was immediately seized the prosecutor. The priest, accused of “eight or nine cases of minor fondling a dozen years,” admitted the facts revealed with the help of other evidence.

Bishop Loiret announced Monday, removing the last departments to the chaplain in question, indicted in 2012. Bishop Blaquart’s predecessors had already taken “precautionary measures” against the priest, who is now 65, to avoid that it is only in contact with young people, but they had not complained. “I should have done it sooner,” added Mgr Jacques Blaquart, grateful to have been slow to put a complete end to the functions of the chaplain, yet indicted. The latter, who was also involved with the association of European Guides and Scouts (CCSO), could be considered next year.

The Church of France is embroiled for weeks in a pedophile scandal that splashes one of its most influential figures, Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, targeted by two surveys to “no information” of sexual assault. Facing criticism, the Catholic hierarchy had last week announced a series of measures designed to “light” on pedophilia in its ranks, including the oldest, so play the card of transparency. In particular, it decided to set up helplines for victims of pedophile priests in each diocese.

Even before the measures announced by the Conference of Bishops of France, the diocese of Orleans, at the request Bishop Jacques Blaquart, was the first to set up a helpline for victims of pedophile priests. Four calls were received during the first year of operation, but for a month, the pace has accelerated, with 12 calls since March. Four of these calls relate to old facts committed in the Loiret by priests now deceased. Other calls relate to other dioceses and contacts were immediately sent to the bishops concerned.