Sexual abuse scandals within the Catholic Church continue to make headlines, and the Paris Foreign Missions (MEP) are unfortunately no exception. While several legal investigations have been opened in France against members of the MEP, journalists Karina Chabour and Julie Dungelhoeff, from France 24, conducted an in-depth investigation into this society of missionary priests.
The Foreign Missions of Paris, founded in the 17th century, are present in 14 Asian countries and today have around 150 members. Since recent revelations, several missionaries have been accused of sexual abuse of minors, both in France and abroad.
The France 24 team traveled to Thailand, where it collected damning testimonies concerning sexual abuse committed by MEP missionaries on children from the Karen ethnic minority. These missionaries are accused of taking advantage of their position of power to obtain sexual favors in exchange for help and support.
The most disturbing thing about this case is the silence that surrounded these abuses for years. Witnesses say Father Tygreat, an MEP missionary who died in 2007, was known for his attraction to young children, but nothing was done to stop him. Another missionary, Father Camille Rio, alerted his hierarchy in 2020 after being informed of abuses committed by some missionaries, but his warnings were ignored.
This documentary highlights not only the alleged sexual abuse committed by members of the MEP, but also the culture of silence that reigns within this institution. Victims are afraid to speak and those responsible prefer to remain silent to protect the image of the Church.
This scandal raises questions about the responsibility of the Catholic Church in protecting victims and preventing abuse. It also highlights the need to reform religious institutions to ensure the safety of worshipers and end the impunity of sexual predators.
In conclusion, the documentary “Un si heavy silence” highlights alleged sexual abuse within the Foreign Missions of Paris and raises questions about the responsibility of the Catholic Church in protecting victims. It also highlights the need to reform religious institutions to prevent such abuses in the future.