Abbé Pierre, waging war on poverty: Citéco's photo exhibition unveiled in images

Henri Grouès is better known asAbbé Pierre. It was during his activities as a member of the Resistance during the Second World War that he adopted this nickname. Priest, member of parliament, founder of Emmaus: Abbé Pierre spent his life in the service of the most disadvantaged, leaving a legacy of organizations and solidarity foundations open to all. Citéco, in partnership with the Abbé Pierre Foundation, is paying tribute to this great French man with a new exhibition.

Entitled L'Abbé Pierre, faire la guerre à la misère (Abbé Pierre, waging war on poverty), this exhibition presents more than a dozen black and white and color photographs, which retrace the life and exceptional career of this man. The exhibition can be seen from May 12 to November 5, 2023.

Good plan: to honor the work of Abbé Pierre and make this exhibition accessible to all, Citéco is entirely free for all, the weekends of May 13 and 14 and 20 and 21, 2023.

Resistance fighter, then MP... Then beggar. In 1951, when Abbé Pierre found himself without resources, he came up with the idea of selling abandoned objects. His Emmaus Foundation, which was then fighting against exclusion, gradually spread to different countries. The Emmaus companions went through the streets and garbage cans and sold their finds to raise funds for the foundation.

But it was during the winter of 1953-1954 that Abbé Pierre became a household name. During this very harsh winter, the poorest people died of cold in the streets. Abbé Pierre launched an appeal on the radio: this appeal moved the French people, and a great surge of solidarity took place. Subsequently, these operations multiplied: donations of money, construction of emergency housing for the poor, introduction of the winter truce...

During this same period, Emmaus grew and developed throughout the world. Abbé Pierre travelled and met this community dedicated to helping and reintegrating the homeless.

Even today, more than 15 years after his death, Abbé Pierre's actions continue to help and save people in difficulty. His struggles continue through various organizations, and his memory is honored by all those who have benefited from his humanitarian vision, throughout the world.

Citéco invites us to (re)discover the emotional journey of Abbé Pierre, through photographs and quotes. A beautiful exhibition not to be missed!