A huge fresco consisting of 12 panels will be removed from the church of Saint-Martin in Triel-sur-Seine (Yvelines). The operation was requested by the mayor without label Cédric Aoun, validated by the regional directorate of cultural affairs (Drac) and announced this Wednesday. The work represents Father Jean-Jacques Villaine, parish priest of Triel for 12 years. At the death of the latter in 2022, the faithful learned that he was accused of sexual abuse and rape, reports Le Parisien.

Message of support to victims

It was also revealed that the man of the Church had been targeted since 2017 by canonical sanctions. In Vésinet (Yvelines), where the priest also officiated, the parish team had decided to affix a black panel on the priest's face on another work representing him.

"I think it is better to completely dismantle this work. Given the context, it seems to me symbolically stronger for the message of support we wish to send to the victims, "commented the mayor of Triel-sur-Seine. The removal of the fresco set up in 1998 at the request of the priest is planned in the coming weeks.

  • Versailles
  • Ile
  • Rape
  • Priest
  • Art
  • Church