New Archbishop of Strasbourg re-instates Vicar-General implicated in sexual assault case

The Archdiocese of Strasbourg has reinstated Hubert Schmitt as Vicar General. The Canon had been implicated in a 1993 case of sexual assault against a minor in southern Alsace.

Canon Hubert Schmitt once again appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Strasbourg

In May 2023, the Mulhouse public prosecutor confirmed to France 3 Alsace that the sexual assault charges against Canon Hubert Schmitt were time-barred. Accused of inappropriate actions towards a 13-year-old parishioner in 1993, Hubert Schmitt had been removed from the episcopal council in April 2023 by Monsignor Luc Ravel.

"The canonical and judicial files are closed"

In July 2025, Catholics in Alsace learned through an article about a trip to Lourdes that Hubert Schmitt was once again Vicar General, a position that involves assisting the Bishop. Appointed head of the Archdiocese of Alsace in April 2024, Bishop Pascal Delannoy reinstated Hubert Schmitt in his position. This was confirmed by the diocese, as a bulletin on the August 2025 appointments listed Hubert Schmitt as Vicar General, "responsible for the charity and care division of the diocesan curia."

When questioned, the Diocese responded through Canon Jean-Luc Liénard:

"The canonical and judicial files being closed, since he has not been brought before the courts of the Church or the Republic, he has not been convicted." According to the correct principle, he therefore enjoys all his rights, including the presumption of innocence."

The events of 1993 are certainly statute-barred, but a vicar general must be "commendable for his virtue and prudence" according to canon law. These obligations are clearly fulfilled, according to the Archdiocese of Strasbourg.

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