Nunavut priest accused of sex assaults against children dies [Video]

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate say a priest accused of sexually abusing Inuit children in Nunavut has died after a long illness.

The Oblates say Joannes Rivoire died Thursday.

An arrest warrant was issued in 1998 for Rivoire, who was in France, to return to Canada to face at least three charges of sexual abuse.

The charges were later stayed.

Another arrest warrant was issued for Rivoire in 2022 for a charge of indecent assault involving a girl between 1974 and 1979, but French authorities denied an extradition request.

Rivoire denied all allegations against him.

The Oblates say it will continue to offer support for the complainants and their families in the next chapter of the healing process.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2024.