Shocking Report Reveals Decades of Terror in Iconic Paris Convent

A devastating independent investigation has revealed systematic abuse that lasted four decades at the Benedictine convent of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre in Paris, one of France's most iconic religious sites. The report, commissioned by the congregation itself and published in January 2026, reveals that nuns suffered physical, psychological, and financial exploitation under their superior, Mother Marie-Agnès, who ruled from 1969 until her death in 2016.

The investigation, led by former army corps general Hervé Giaume, included 159 interviews totaling 310 hours of conversation with 86 current and 28 former nuns. It paints a picture of what the commission describes as a 'perverse-narcissistic structure' and an 'atmosphere of terror and distrust' that lasted for generations behind the walls of the convent overlooking Paris from the famous Montmartre hill.

A Regime of Psychological Terror

According to the report, Mother Marie-Agnès established what witnesses called a 'police state' within the convent. Nuns were subjected to constant surveillance, with opened mail, searched rooms, and eavesdropped conversations. 'If any of you disagree with me, then she can jump out the window,' the mother superior is reported to have told sisters according to one testimony.

The psychological manipulation was profound. 'Marie-Agnès is always right, I am the one who doesn't understand,' testified one nun. The report describes how the mother superior positioned herself as God's intermediary, telling nuns: 'To exercise God's will is to do what I tell you. I am his intermediary.'

Physical Abuse and Medical Neglect

Physical abuse focused particularly on food and body control. Nuns were forced to gain weight to resemble Mother Marie-Agnès, subjected to forced feeding that led to vomiting, and regularly weighed without being allowed to know their weight. 'It was a sign of vocation when one gained weight,' they were told.

Medical care was systematically denied. 'Toothache goes away with a rosary,' one witness reported being told. Sisters who resisted were given medication as punishment, often without knowing what they were receiving. Basic hygiene products were difficult to obtain, and contact with family was discouraged with statements like 'If you have back pain, it's because you see your family too often.'

Financial Exploitation and Luxurious Lifestyle

The investigation revealed extensive financial abuse. Mother Marie-Agnès and two accomplices allegedly drained more than €857,000 from nuns' accounts, emptied savings books of new recruits, and seized inheritances. Meanwhile, they enjoyed expensive meals, holidays on the French Riviera, and real estate investments.

The exploitation system extended to recruitment, with preference for young women from wealthy families who could provide financial contributions. Nuns were sent on 'mission' to find new recruits and secure donations, with promises of support to the church considered insufficient.

Systemic Failure and Path Forward

Perhaps most disturbing is the revelation that despite two apostolic visits by Vatican authorities in 2004 and 2011-2012, no sanctions were ever imposed. The Paris diocese has acknowledged 'having failed in its duty of vigilance for many years.'

The congregation has committed to implementing 58 recommendations from the report, including official recognition of abuse, financial reparations, and structural reforms. A follow-up evaluation is planned for 18-24 months, with the congregation seeing the report as a roadmap for reform ahead of their general chapter in October 2026.

As one researcher noted, this represents 'the first independent investigation of its kind into a female religious congregation' in France, revealing cult-like abuse that lasted for decades at one of Paris's most visited tourist destinations, visited by millions annually who climb the steps of Montmartre unaware of the suffering behind its walls.