The dark side of a Saint: Unveiling the hidden legacy of Emmaus’ founder

I n a revealing article published this week in the French daily Catholic newspaper La Croix, Martin Hirsch, the former president of Emmaus – a charity organisation that works with communities to end homelessness – delves into the complex legacy of Abbé Pierre (real name Henri Grouès), the renowned French priest and humanitarian.

Hirsch, who led Emmaus from 2002 to 2007, uncovers the internal conflicts faced by the organisation in reconciling Abbé Pierre’s monumental contributions with serious allegations of misconduct that have recently come to light. Last week, the Abbé Pierre Foundation and Emmaus issued a joint statement on the findings of an investigation they had commissioned following reports of abuse by their founder.

An independent research group revealed that seven women, including one minor at the time, had testified to suffering sexual abuse by the French priest between the late 1970s and 2005. “These revelations have shaken our organisations, where the figure of Abbé Pierre plays a major role. We all know his story and his message. These acts profoundly change the way we regard this man, who was known above all for his struggle against poverty, destitution and exclusion,” the charities wrote.