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

Nearly 2,000 people who reported sexual abuse by priests or other Church representatives have sought reparations through France's independent national authority, the organization announced Tuesday. The Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation (INIRR) is preparing to conclude its five-year mission.

The INIRR has formally issued 1,184 decisions granting financial or other reparations, while hundreds of other cases await decisions. President Marie Derain de Vaucresson stated that the organization's work provided lessons for both the Church and civil society. The program offered psychological support in addition to 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 new permanent body will replace it to focus on long-term guidance, support, and restorative justice.

This report follows a 2021 finding that estimated approximately 330,000 children were abused by Church personnel in France over a 70-year period. The announcement comes ahead of Pope Leo XIV's scheduled four-day visit to France starting Friday, during which he is expected to meet privately with seven survivors.