Stunning, tragic news comes from the Diocese of Versailles, France. Father François de Foucauld, 50 years old, died of suicide on the night of June 30, announced the bishop of Versailles in a press release published on July 1 on the diocesan website. "His body was found last night in the forest of Rambouillet," he said.
Father François de Foucauld had served for 18 years in the diocese of Versailles, in several parishes. But "following difficulties in the exercise of his ministry, he has had no assignment since September 2021," says the bishop.
On December 2, 2021, the priest had published an article in the daily La Croix, denouncing the abuse of power in the Church and the law of silence. He said he himself had been a victim of abuse and called for "true consideration of witnesses to the abuse of power in the Church today" in order to implement "clear and peaceful rules of governance within the Church."
"We share the sorrow of all those who knew and appreciated him in his parish ministry," wrote Bishop Luc Crépy. "We pray together for Father Francis, his family and friends, asking the Lord to welcome him in mercy."
