France sets up new clerical sex abuse body

The French Catholic Church is to set up a new commission to advise bishops and help them handle cases of child sex abuse by priests.

Bishop Georges Pontier, head of the French bishops' coference, disclosed the new commission's growing concerns about child sex abuse and the Catholic Church in France. 

The new body will be independent, secular and chaired by a lay person. Members will include former magistrates, doctors, psychologists, teachers and parents, according to AP.

It will be set up soon, said Bishop Pontier, who met Pope Francis a few days ago.

It will include a new website and other measures.

Bertrand Virieux, 44, a victim of a priest when he was a child, said the plans were not enough, however.

"We need strong decisions. And this doesn't necessarily mean units specialised in listening to victims, but rather an immediate reporting to the prosecutor," he told iTele channel.

related articles
Australian church abuse victims dismayed Pope did not meet them
Australian church abuse victims dismayed Pope did not meet them

Australian church abuse victims dismayed Pope did not meet them

Sex abuse victim \'deeply distressed\' by Lord Carey support for Bishop Bell
Sex abuse victim 'deeply distressed' by Lord Carey support for Bishop Bell

Sex abuse victim 'deeply distressed' by Lord Carey support for Bishop Bell

Disgraced Christian minister Paul Flowers in new sex and drugs scandal
Disgraced Christian minister Paul Flowers in new sex and drugs scandal

Disgraced Christian minister Paul Flowers in new sex and drugs scandal

Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England
Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England

Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England

Law professor wins compensation from CofE for clergy sex abuse
Law professor wins compensation from CofE for clergy sex abuse

Law professor wins compensation from CofE for clergy sex abuse

Anne Graham Lotz invites people to pray, assuring them that one prayer can make a difference
Anne Graham Lotz invites people to pray, assuring them that one prayer can make a difference

Anne Graham Lotz invites people to pray, assuring them that one prayer can make a difference

News
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.

Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal
Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal

A Christian social worker whose offer of a job was withdrawn over public comments he made about marriage and sexuality has won his case at appeal.