The Church’s Hierarchy on Trial in France

By Gauthier Vaillant
La Croix International
November 1, 2018

https://international.la-croix.com/news/the-churchs-hierarchy-on-trial-in-france/8754?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_content=02-11-2018&utm_campaign=newsletter_crx_lci&PMID=0993ce75a05e850a9ee6d7668f102aad


The victim's lawyer, Edmond Claude Frety, speaking to the press Oct. 30 in Orleans regarding Father Pierre de Castelet accused of sexual assault on minors. (Photo by Guillaume Souvant/AFP)“In my opinion, the Church must look reality in the face for the sake of its survival. And your trial must be a wake-up call.”These were the final words of the prosecutor, Nicolas Bessone, in his closing speech on Oct. 30, in the court of Orleans, France.He had demanded a warrant of arrest and an exemplary sentence of one year in prison for retired Bishop Andre Fort of Orleans, and a sentence of three years in prison, with six months suspended, as well as three years probation with compulsory care for Father Pierre de Castelet.Father de Castelet, a priest from Loiret, which corresponds to the Diocese of Orleans, was on trial for the sexual abuse of minors. This abuse...