Wednesday, March 6, priest Luc de Bellescize was placed in police custody for suspicion of sexual assault “
concerning adults ,”
Le Figaro
learned
from the diocese of Paris, confirming information from Le
Monde
, which indicates that the facts would have taken place during the year 2022-2023.
The person concerned was placed in police custody on Wednesday March 6, 2024, as part of a preliminary investigation, carried out by the 2nd judicial police district on the charge of sexual assault, since November 2023, said the Paris prosecutor's office. the AFP, specifying that this custody measure was lifted on March 7 for “
continuation of preliminary investigations
”.
The young woman would have known the priest at the chaplaincy of the faculty of Assas, in Paris, and would have mentioned a toxic relationship and inappropriate behavior before a sexual assault.
Canonical precautionary measures
In addition to the legal procedure and the canonical procedure, the diocese of Paris has decided on canonical precautionary measures.
These restrict the ministry of this vicar of the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul parish, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris.
“
These measures have been shared with his immediate ecclesial entourage, who will be able to ensure their application
,” specifies the diocese in a press release.
Father Luc de Bellescize is now prohibited from confessing, but also from supporting young couples in their preparation for marriage, or from speaking in the media, indicates
Le Monde
.
“
While awaiting the outcome of these procedures, out of consideration for the people who have come forward to the diocese, their emotion and the deep suffering they carry, and out of respect for the presumption of innocence from which the Abbot Luc de Bellescize, the diocese of Paris will not make further comments
,” responds the diocese.
Vicar of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul in Paris, Luc de Bellescize is a regular in Catholic media.
He regularly publishes a column in the weekly
Famille Chrétienne
.
He was private secretary to former Archbishop Michel Aupetit, cleared last September of suspicion of sexual assault.
If you are a victim of any form of abuse committed within the Church, you can contact the diocese at signalement@diocese-paris.net
or by telephone, via the France Victimes number: 01 41 83 42 17