The late French priest Henri Groues, celebrated for his work with the poor, has been accused of sexually assaulting several women, including one underage, according to charities Emmaus and Fondation Abbe Pierre. In a joint statement, the charities expressed support for the victims, whose testimonies have brought these allegations to light. Known as "Abbe Pierre," Groues died in 2007 at the age of 94.

The allegations are detailed in an independent report commissioned by the charities after an initial claim of assault. The report includes testimonies from seven women, describing behavior that could be interpreted as sexual assault or harassment between 1970 and 2005. One woman was underage at the time.

A source at Emmaus told AFP that no criminal complaint has been filed yet. The bishop's conference of France’s Catholic Church expressed deep compassion and shame over the acts committed by a priest.

Abbe Pierre's legacy remains visible in charity shops and metro stations, urging people to think of the poor. He joined the Capuchin monks at 18, participated in the Resistance during the Nazi occupation, and served as a post-war parliament member. In 1949, he founded the Emmaus community, promoting self-help for excluded people, which has since spread globally. He also supported the "Restos du coeur" soup kitchens and criticized city governments for failing to address homelessness.