MONTREAL – The Quebec government has revoked the National Order of Quebec honors previously awarded to the late French priest Abbé Pierre due to serious allegations of sexual abuse. This decision was announced by Premier François Legault after a unanimous recommendation from the council responsible for overseeing the province's highest distinction.

Allegations of sexual assault against Abbé Pierre, whose real name was Henri Grouès, came to light in a report published in July 2024. So far, a total of 45 alleged victims have come forward with claims of sexual violence associated with the priest, including several who were minors at the time of the incidents.

Abbé Pierre, who passed away in 2007, dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, particularly focusing on assisting the poor and homeless. His contributions were recognized in 1995 when he was named a grand officer of the Ordre national du Québec by then-premier Jacques Parizeau.

The action against Abbé Pierre follows a broader trend of addressing misconduct among prominent public figures. In December 2023, the Quebec government also expelled French actor Gérard Depardieu from the National Order of Quebec. This decision was made public after the release of a documentary that featured Depardieu making inappropriate remarks about women, prompting serious public outcry.

The revocation of these honors highlights a growing commitment by the Quebec government to confront historical issues of abuse and misconduct, ensuring that public figures are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their past contributions to society.

As society evolves, so too does the expectation for leaders and public figures to behave ethically and responsibly. The actions taken by Quebec's government serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of addressing allegations of abuse and advocating for survivors.