Canada: a former Catholic priest charged with sexual assault

In Canada, in the province of Manitoba, a 92-year-old former priest was arrested and charged in connection with an investigation into the sexual assault of a child fifty years ago (illustration).

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In Canada, in the province of Manitoba, a 92-year-old former priest was arrested and charged in connection with an investigation into the sexual assault of a child fifty years ago.

The police found other victims, but the cleric was released pending proceedings.

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With our correspondent in Montreal,

Former priest Arthur Massé of the Oblate order is accused of indecent assault on a former student of the Fort Alexander residential school in Manitoba, central Canada.

The child was 10 years old when the alleged facts took place between 1968 and 1970. Arthur Massé is now 92 years old, but since there is no limitation period for sexual assault cases in Canada , he will appear in court on July 20.

In the meantime, he was released on conditions.

► To read also: Residential schools in Canada: the Catholic Church apologizes for the abuses

Graves could be present on the grounds of the boarding school

The Royal Mounted Police have contacted more than 700 people in North America over the past eleven years as part of this extensive investigation.

Due to a lack of evidence, there has only been one charge against one person, but there are other victims and suspects, according to the federal police.

The boarding school, open from 1905 to 1970, had a reputation for mistreating children.

The priest's arrest also comes just after the discovery of several anomalies on the grounds of the former boarding school, which could indicate the presence of children's graves.

Pope Francis is expected in Canada at the end of July, where he should renew his apologies to indigenous communities for the violence perpetrated in the residential schools administered by the Church.

► To read also: 

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