French Catholicism Facing the Trials of the Sexual Abuse Scandal

This is a lecture by visiting EHESS academic Céline Béraud organised by the School of Histories & Humanities. Céline Béraud is a sociologist, professor at the Ecole des hautes études en sciences sociales (Paris). She published Le catholicisme français à l'épreuve des scandales sexuels (Seuil, 2021).

The lecture will first dwell on three key moments with regard to the unfolding of the ordeal of the sexual abuse scandal that French Catholicism has been undergoing: first, the initial cases exposed that shook the Church (2018-2019), then the issuing of the Sauvé Report (2021) and, lastly, the disillusionment deriving from the bishops’ response that has failed to live up to the expectations (2023). Finally, it will underline the impact of this crisis on the decline of the once majoritarian religion in France.

Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: gearyd@tcd.ie