Abbé Pierre: A Century of Devotion

Born into a wealthy family, Henri Grouès was both a resistance fighter, a deputy, an advocate for the homeless, a revolutionary, and an iconoclast. From the benches of the National Assembly to the shantytowns of the Paris suburbs, his commitment to the most vulnerable earned him international renown. The creation of Emmaus and the overwhelming response to his unforgettable winter '54 appeal made him an icon. Yet, every day, he doubted his actions. His vulnerabilities, his sufferings, his barely believable private life remained unknown to the general public. Revolted by poverty and injustices, often criticized, sometimes betrayed, Henri Grouès lived a thousand lives and fought a thousand battles. He left his mark on history under the name he had chosen for himself: Abbé Pierre.