The Ricard case returns to Nice. Justice has opened a preliminary investigation after the confession of Cardinal Ricard, who on Monday admitted having had “reprehensible” behavior towards a teenager 35 years ago in Marseille.
The bishop of Nice was kidnapped in February by the victim’s parents, when Cardinal Ricard was appointed “to launch an investigation into foster families”according to the indictment.
“Following this letter, Monsignor Ricard would have admitted to (the Bishop of Nice) that he + kissed + more than 40 years ago the daughter of this couple, whose religious marriage he would later celebrate”, details the allegation in its press release.
The Marseille prosecutor specified that if the bishop of Nice only sued in October, while the initial letter is from February, it is because he would have known “after“the minority of the girl.
“I behaved reprehensibly with a 14-year-old girl”
Jean-Pierre Ricard caused a new earthquake in the Church with his statements.
“35 years ago, when I was a parish priest, I behaved reprehensibly with a 14-year-old girl. My behavior necessarily caused serious and lasting consequences for this person”, wrote the cardinal, now 78, without giving more details on the facts he is accused of while he was stationed in Marseille.
The facts are probably prescribed but however, justice has opened an investigationthe first phase of a criminal investigation aimed at enlightening the prosecutor on the merits of any criminal proceedings.
