The card is linked to a national register set up in France following numerous cases of abuse. It is also intended to prevent men from pretending to be priests who want to hold a mass out of religious zeal.
In Germany, there is also a national priest card, however, it is made only of paper and is stamped. The card is similar to the French identity card, with a photo and an identification number with which church leaders can call up the clergyman's file from the register. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org.