“Abbé Pierre was elevated to the status of God, but he was only a man,” says Isabelle Le Bourgeois, psychoanalyst and nun.
Is it even harder to take when it comes to emblematic figures like Abbé Pierre?
We must always be wary of idols. Not for themselves but for what the public projects. Each time, we make amalgams in the hope of sanctifying them quickly. Abbé Pierre was very quickly elevated to the rank of God. He accomplished formidable actions, carried the desire for justice and fairness in great declarations. I think he believed in it deeply. We projected an image of him as we hoped he would be: a perfect man. But there is reality. Abbé Pierre was only a Man, with his fragilities, like everyone else. We all have our secret corners, which are revealed or not. This is what I call “the gap” and it is the most difficult to conceive: that he could have worked for good all his life, while doing harm around him and lacking respect for others.
What lessons can the Church learn?
This case reminds me how poor the Church has been in learning. I have nothing against priests marrying, but that will not solve the whole problem. Man will always remain Man: fallible. We must reinforce the teachings during the seminary and above all not be satisfied with spirituality. Faith is important, but it does not solve everything. Temptations will not be reduced only through prayer. Psychological support may be necessary. Many priests find themselves alone with no one to turn to. We must support them throughout their lives. Help them find the right distance from themselves… Because difficulties are experienced over time.
