Investigation Launched After Controversial Pétain Tribute Mass in Verdun

A legal investigation has been opened following a mass held in Verdun honoring Philippe Pétain, which included remarks viewed as denying or minimizing crimes against humanity. Jacques Boncompain, president of the Association for the Defense of Marshal Pétain (ADMP), attended the mass where he controversially characterized Pétain as 'the first resistance fighter of France.' These statements, which call into question the historic judgement of Pétain as the leader of the collaborationist Vichy regime during World War II, prompted legal scrutiny by the public prosecutor's office in Verdun.

The investigation, confirmed by prosecutor Delphine Moncuit, focuses on accusations of contestation of crimes against humanity aimed at Boncompain. It also implicates the priest Gautier Luquin, who officiated the mass and faces allegations of inciting resistance against public authority. Boncompain’s comments drew criticism from protesters present at the event, including accusations of historical revisionism.

Verdun's mayor, Samuel Hazard, had initially attempted to ban the mass but was overruled by a court decision. Despite limited attendance — estimated at no more than twenty people — the event stirred significant controversy. The prefect of Meuse reported the ‘clearly revisionist’ remarks to the prosecutor’s office, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding any denial or minimization of Holocaust and crimes against humanity in France.

In France, such revisionist statements carry serious penalties, including up to one year imprisonment and fines up to 45,000 euros. The case underscores the continuing impact of Pétain’s legacy, who, after being hailed as the victor of Verdun in World War I, led the Vichy government that was complicit with Nazi Germany. Convicted for treason and crimes against humanity in 1945, Pétain was sentenced to death—later commuted to life imprisonment—and declared unworthy of national honor.

This ongoing investigation highlights the legal boundaries in France regarding historical memory and the public contestation of established crimes against humanity, especially those related to the Holocaust and World War II collaborations.