In the context of recent news, Fatshimetrie raised a poignant and disturbing subject with the tragic death of Bernard Preynat, which occurred at his home in Saint-Étienne. A former priest sentenced to five years in prison for sexual assault on minors, Preynat left behind a dark and painful legacy.
The destiny of Bernard Preynat is marked by unforgivable acts committed within the Church, sexual assaults inflicted on young people between 1971 and 1991. His sinister journey was highlighted during his trial in 2020, highlighting the manipulation, abuse of power and destruction of innocent lives.
This tragic chapter in the history of Preynat deeply shook the diocese of Lyon, shattering the ecclesiastical hierarchy and highlighting the flaws in the system which allowed the perpetuation of his crimes for decades. The omerta and complicit silence favored the repetition of Preynat’s toxic actions, leaving indelible scars in the wake of his victims.
Preynat’s death marks both the end of a dark chapter and the beginning of a deeper reflection on sexual abuse within the Church. It invites a collective examination of conscience, a questioning of the structures and practices that allowed such atrocities. It also calls for compassion for victims, justice for their suffering and the repair of broken trust.
In the background, this tragedy reveals the urgency of changing mentalities, strengthening systems to protect children and the most vulnerable, and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability within the Church and beyond.
The death of Bernard Preynat marks the end of an existence marked by abject acts, but it also reminds us of the imperative to fight against all forms of abuse and injustice. By honoring the memory of the victims, by continuing the fight for truth and justice, we can work together for a future that is safer and more respectful of human dignity.