French police are searching for a Belgian man who pretended to be a priest to secure lodging in various religious institutions. His profile matches that of the "false priest of Charleroi", sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape before being acquitted in 2022.
Identifying as "Brother Jourdain" or "Father Vitalis", the man in question arrived at the Ligugé Abbey, near Poitiers, with a "postulant" (a person training to become a priest) aged around 20 in tow. He then moved to Fontgombault Abbey nearby.
According to those who spoke to him, the man claimed to be travelling from Charleroi to Lourdes and said that he ran a congregation in Belgium that housed former male prisoners living precariously.
However, his attempts to portray himself as a priest quickly raised questions among the religious communities he stayed with.
"He claimed to be a Dominican, but was wearing the habit of the brothers of the Saint-Jean community," one source told Franceinfo. He also had no idea how to say Mass and had never heard of a celebret (an ID card for priests) when asked to procure one.
Investigation launched
Once the man left Ligugé, religious authorities contacted Daniel Procureur, the Vicar of Charleroi, to enquire whether he knew "Brother Jourdain".
"I don't know the priest whose name you mention in this email," the Vicar responded. "The congregation he refers to is unknown to me. Please be very careful. He is not a priest of this diocese."
Police were quickly notified and are now searching for the man as part of an investigation into "attempted fraud" – it is illegal to use a false position to obtain accommodation.
"The investigation continues to locate the suspect for questioning," stated Cyril Lacombe, the Public Prosecutor in Poitiers.
False priest of Charleroi
In addition, there are fears that the young man accompanying him is in danger. Police believe the person posing as "Brother Jourdain" was also behind "Père Jordano", another false priest incident that occurred in Charleroi in 2022.
At the time, three men accused "Père Jordano" of rape, explaining that the man posed as a priest and exploited the vulnerability of young drug addicts. The accused appealed the ruling that sentenced him to 15 years in prison and his case was acquitted.
Police in France confirm that there is a strong link between the two cases. "It does seem to be the same person," according to Public Prosecutor spokesperson Daniel Marlière.
