Images of the Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) and sexual abuse: revelations that leave a heavy silence hanging over them. The investigation carried out by France 24 journalists Karina Chabour and Julie Dungelhoeff sheds light on the alleged acts of sexual abuse committed within this society of missionary priests. While the Catholic Church is already facing many similar accusations, these new revelations further weaken its image.
The Foreign Missions of Paris, founded in the 17th century for the propagation of the Christian message in Asia, are today present in different countries on the continent. However, several of their members are currently at the heart of sexual abuse scandals.
Three judicial investigations have been opened in France concerning two former missionaries in Japan, as well as the bishop of La Rochelle, former superior general of the MEP. The charges relate to “rape”, “aggravated rape” and “attempted rape”. The people involved have not yet been formally charged and benefit from the presumption of innocence.
Foreign Missions in Paris are also targeted by allegations of sexual abuse outside France. A France 24 team went to Thailand where several testimonies implicated two priests for alleged sexual assault on children.
Beyond these accusations, the France 24 investigation reveals the existence of a system of silence and coverage of the acts of sexual predators within MEPs. Testimonies collected indicate abusive practices perpetrated by certain missionaries. The victims, often young and vulnerable, find themselves prisoners of a system that sexually exploits them.
This investigation thus calls into question the prestigious reputation of the Foreign Missions of Paris. While the Catholic Church is already shaken by previous sexual abuse scandals, these new revelations once again raise questions about the accountability and transparency of the institution.
It is essential to give victims a voice and support their approach to justice. These revelations should also serve as a catalyst for internal reforms within the Catholic Church, to prevent such abuses in the future.
The Foreign Missions of Paris, like the Catholic Church as a whole, must face these serious accusations and take concrete measures to guarantee the security of the people entrusted to them. The fight against sexual abuse can only be determined and total, in order to restore the confidence of the faithful and prevent new scandals.