French Priest Accused of Inuit Child Abuse Dies, Evading Justice

Joannes Rivoire, a controversial figure, passed away last Thursday, leaving behind a trail of unresolved allegations and calls for justice. His death in Lyon, France, at the age of 90, draws a line under a long-standing controversy.

Rivoire, a French priest, faced accusations of sexually abusing Inuit children during his time serving in the Canadian Arctic community. The allegations date back to the 1970s and 1980s and despite efforts by Canadian authorities to extradite him, he never faced trial in Canada.

Rev. Ken Thorson expressed regret over Rivoire's death, acknowledging the disappointment of those who sought to see the priest held accountable in Canada. Despite repeated attempts to bring him to trial, including a 2022 arrest warrant for indecent assault, Rivoire consistently denied the allegations and refused to return to Canada.

Rivoire left Canada in 1993, citing the need to care for his elderly parents in France. However, this departure coincided with multiple accusations of sexual assault, leading to a warrant for his arrest in 1998. Yet, the legal pursuit ultimately did not result in his extradition back to Canada.

The Inuit Community's Persistence

The Inuit community in Canada has persistently sought justice, with a delegation traveling to Lyon in 2022 to persuade Rivoire to return and face the charges. Despite their efforts, the priest remained in France, maintaining his innocence until his passing.

Rivoire consistently denied the allegations against him and no charges were proven in court during his lifetime. The controversy surrounding his actions and the legal efforts to hold him accountable have left a lasting impact on the communities involved.