The investigation, which began in December 2022 after a report from the Paris diocese, was assigned to the Brigade for the Repression of Delinquency Against Persons (BRDP). The investigation focused on written exchanges between Archbishop Aupetit and a parishioner who was under judicial protection, with the aim of confirming her apparent consent.
According to Me Jean Reinhart, Michel Aupetit’s lawyer, there was never any ambiguity or inappropriate behavior on his client’s part. He stated, “Archbishop Aupetit approached the opening of this investigation with serenity because he was certain it could only end with the case being dropped. He can continue to fulfill his pastoral mission without any further difficulties.”
The former Archbishop of Paris was questioned as a witness on June 9th and “maintained that he never had a romantic or sexual relationship with the woman in question,” the Paris prosecutor’s office stated. The woman also told investigators that she had a clear memory of the situations mentioned and believed they did not constitute any criminal offense, so she did not file a complaint.
As there was nothing that could be considered a criminal offense, the prosecutor’s office decided to close the case without charges.
Michel Aupetit, who was appointed head of the Archdiocese of Paris in December 2017, submitted his resignation to Pope Francis at the end of November 2021, which was immediately accepted. This came after several newspapers alleged that Aupetit was involved in a romantic relationship with another woman, a claim he categorically denied. Additionally, he faced criticism for his handling of human resources in the diocese.
Entering into the priesthood later in life at the age of 44 after practicing medicine for 11 years, 72-year-old Michel Aupetit served in various roles as a vicar, parish priest, and chaplain for youth before being appointed as a bishop.
As Archbishop, he was responsible for managing the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris in 2019 and is known for his strict positions on family and bioethics. He has notably supported the “marches for life” opposing abortion. He has also had conflicts with the LGBTQ+ community in 2012 during debates over same-sex marriage.
Despite his resignation, Mgr Aupetit is still considered a bishop (emeritus) by the Vatican and has taken up residence in a former abbey in Toulouse. According to his counsel, who emphasizes that “the Pope has never lost confidence in him,” he is dedicating himself to his pastoral mission by working with organizations that assist the poor across France.
