INIRR reports 2,000 victims of church sex abuse in France

Nearly 2,000 people seeking recognition and reparations for sexual abuse by priests or other Church representatives have contacted the Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation (INIRR) in France, the organization announced Tuesday.

The INIRR has formally issued 1,184 decisions granting financial or other forms of reparation, while hundreds of other cases remain pending. The organization's work includes providing psychological support alongside financial compensation. The INIRR stopped accepting new submissions on August 31 following the completion of its scheduled mandate, but it will continue to support victims until the end of next year. A permanent body focused on restorative justice and long-term guidance is expected to replace it.

The announcement follows a 2021 report that estimated approximately 330,000 children were abused by Church-related figures in France over a 70-year period. That report identified a systemic cover-up by Church officials. This latest report from the INIRR comes before Pope Leo XIV begins a four-day visit to France this Friday, during which he is expected to meet privately with seven survivors of abuse by priests and other Catholic personnel.