French MPs are set to debate a controversial bill, which will make religious leaders ‘mandatory reporters’ of child abuse and extend the state’s powers over Catholic schools.
Catholic bishops have expressed their “great concern” about the proposals, set to be debated in the National Assembly on Monday.
The bill states “ministers of religion are not exempt with regard to information which they have become aware of in the exercise of their ministry,” adding that “no ‘seal of confession’ can prevent them” from reporting abuse.
Bishops believe it would compromise the confidentiality expected in the sacrament of reconciliation, setting a precedent for the state to interfere in religious practice. The Church maintains priests encourage victims of abuse to report crimes, themselves acting against abuse outside of confession.
“The secrecy of confession is not a privilege for priests, but a right for the faithful,” Bishop Jean-Marc Eychenne of Grenoble said in a statement to Le Figaro.
Christian MEP Laurence Trochu, of France’s right-wing Identity-Liberties party, described it as “an enterprise of deconstruction of our civilization and persecution of the Church” in a post on X.
Supporters have said the bill would help authorities stop abuse and prosecute perpetrators more effectively.
Government powers over state-subsidised private schools would also be extended if the bill were to pass, with inspections to consider the “specific character” of institutions. Catholic education officials believe this could target faith-based teaching on issues of morals and sexuality, with many of the schools in this category being run by the Church.
Critics believe this would restrict freedom of worship, conscience and education within the school system.
A 2025 report from French lawmakers accused the state of having “structural dysfunctions” in handling child abuse in schools, warning that violence was continuing. It stated that abuse was particularly prevalent in Catholic institutions, with clergy either missing or covering it up.