Abbé Pierre, born Henri Marie Joseph Grouès on 5 August 1912 in Lyon, France, was a French Catholic priest and a prominent figure in social activism. He was the fifth of eight children in a wealthy Catholic family involved in the silk trade. His early life included participation in the Scouts de France and a commitment to monastic life, which he pursued by joining the Capuchin Order in 1931. He was ordained a priest on 24 August 1938 but left monastic life in 1939 due to health issues.During World War II, Abbé Pierre served as a non-commissioned officer in the train transport corps and became involved in the French Resistance. He helped Jewish individuals escape Nazi persecution, notably during the Rafle du Vel' d'Hiv in July 1942. He operated under various pseudonyms and was instrumental in establishing a refuge for resistants to the Nazi forced labor program. He was arrested twice but managed to evade capture and continued his work with the Free French Forces, earning several military honors by the war's end.After the war, Abbé Pierre entered politics, being elected as a deputy for Meurthe-et-Moselle in the National Constituent Assemblies of 1945-1946. He was affiliated with the Popular Republican Movement but left in 1950 due to political disagreements. He returned to his original mission of aiding the homeless and founded the Emmaus movement in 1949, which aimed to support impoverished individuals through community living and work. The first Emmaus community was established in Neuilly-Plaisance, near Paris, and the movement quickly gained traction, raising significant funds and attracting volunteers.Abbé Pierre gained national prominence during the harsh winter of 1954 when he publicly addressed the plight of the homeless in France, leading to a massive outpouring of donations. His efforts resulted in the establishment of numerous Emmaus communities worldwide. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he continued to advocate for social justice, engaging in various international humanitarian efforts, including addressing refugee crises in India and Bangladesh.In addition to his charitable work, Abbé Pierre was known for his outspoken views on social issues, often clashing with the Catholic Church hierarchy. He supported progressive causes, including the ordination of women and the acceptance of same-sex adoption, which drew criticism from traditionalists. His relationship with the Vatican was complex, marked by both support and contention over his social activism and critiques of Church practices.Abbé Pierre received numerous accolades for his humanitarian work, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor in 2004. He remained active in social causes until his death on 22 January 2007, following a lung infection. His funeral was attended by many dignitaries, reflecting his status as a beloved figure in France. Following his death, allegations of sexual abuse emerged, leading to investigations into his conduct during his lifetime.