Two former students of the Ozanam school in Limoges have come forward with reports of sexual abuse perpetrated by priests from the Bétharram congregation, dating back nearly 50 years. This shocking series of allegations has prompted the diocese to take immediate action, creating waves of concern and outrage within the community.
According to reports by Ici Limousin, the diocese's listening unit received two accounts of alleged abuse occurring in 1970 and 1975. The priests accused are now deceased, but the diocese under the leadership of Monseigneur Pierre-Antoine Bozo has not shied away from addressing these painful revelations.
On March 11, 2025, Monseigneur Bozo filed a report with the Limoges prosecutor’s office, prioritizing the need to support and assist the victims who have suffered long-term effects of these abuses. “We, our great concern is to help these people who have suffered and still suffer from this,” Bozo stated. He emphasized the church's commitment, noting, “We have made lots of procedures to make sure our establishments are safe places, as Pope Francis says.”
The echo of the Bétharram affair has stirred the local community, heightening awareness and urgency about the historical presence of the congregation at the Ozanam school. Although Monseigneur Bozo indicated the priests involved had passed away, he expressed his belief there are possibly more undisclosed cases. “At this point, we have sought our archives, and today there is no other report found other than these complaints,” he remarked, illustrating the need for thorough investigation and transparency.
The scandal has compelled the diocese to reflect deeply on its past and take proactive steps moving forward. “It’s for us great sadness. [...] And also for us, it calls for vigilance, very, very much,” Bozo added, highlighting the emotional burden carried by the church and the imperative for increased safeguarding measures.
The diocese has urged anyone with information to come forward, with the listening unit remaining active and open for support. “The listening unit members have put the complainants in contact with the Commission for Recognition and Compensation of the Religious and Religious of France,” as noted by the diocese. Their intention is not just to address the past but also to provide avenues for healing and support to those affected.
While these reports shine light on two specific cases, the growing concern is directed toward the broader historical patterns of abuse associated with the Bétharram congregation, which had ties with the Ozanam school from the 19th century through the late 20th century. The increasing number of reported allegations has sparked calls for comprehensive archival inquiries by the diocese to seek clarity on potential additional victims and cases.
The involvement of the church’s leaders, including Monseigneur Bozo, takes place against the backdrop of the recent public discourse surrounding historical abuse within religious institutions, capturing the attention and concern of community members. A special program highlighting these issues, titled “Bétharram: 50 Years of Silence,” aired March 13, 2025, underscoring the urgency of these revelations and the need for accountability.
With these alarming allegations making headlines, the diocese remains firm on its commitment to victims of abuse. Their focus goes beyond simply addressing the past to implementing measures for future protection and care. This reflects not only within Limoges but across the church's institutions, signaling a serious shift toward accountability and reform.
Monseigneur Bozo reiterated the church’s determination to provide safe environments. “We re-affirm our deep sadness over this evil committed, our willingness to support the victims and our determination to implement everything necessary to assure the children’s safety within our establishments and ecclesiastical frameworks.”
Looking forward, the community and church leaders share the responsibility of ensuring such abuses never happen again. The proactive measures now under consideration are aimed to reconstruct trust and healing processes for the victims, fostering communication and support as they navigate the challenging path toward recovery.
The pathway to healing is just beginning, and with the continued efforts of the Limoges diocese, hopes lie for other potential victims to finally find their voices, paving the way for justice and recognition.