A priest named Father Jean-Bernard Plessy, 63, who was leading a school group in Lyon, has been removed from his position as director of the Institution des Chartreux, a Catholic educational institution. This decision followed a "relationship" with a student under his authority, as disclosed by the Archbishop of Lyon, Monsignor Olivier de Germay, on September 2. The Lyon prosecutor's office confirmed that a criminal investigation was initiated after the diocese reported the incident. The diocese explained that it used the term "relationship" because it was the one chosen by the young woman who came forward. She had reached out to the diocese's listening cell, a support service for people experiencing difficulties. According to the Archbishop, he became aware of the situation in June 2026 and promptly summoned the director of the Chartreux upon learning the priest's identity. The victim’s attorney, Nadia Debbache, criticized the use of the term "relationship," arguing that it downplays the seriousness of the alleged misconduct and causes additional harm to her client. She described the incidents as "aggravated rapes" and "aggravated sexual assaults," emphasizing that Father Plessy's position of authority and the victim's vulnerability were key factors. She also noted that the alleged abuses continued for several months, up until July 2026. Father Plessy, who had been in charge of the Institution des Chartreux for 27 years, announced his decision to resign at the end of the school year in a letter to the parents of students. In the letter dated July 9, he wrote that he felt it was time to step down with a sense of accomplishment and duty fulfilled. He was ordained a priest in the Saint-Etienne diocese in 1991. Additionally, he is currently under a "canonical investigation" by the archbishopric, which is a formal church process to examine potential misconduct by clergy.