Emile Soleil murder suspect family’s Catholic priest, 85, ‘committed suicide’ days before the toddler’s grandparents were arrested
A Roman Catholic priest who fell out with those suspected of murdering tragic French boy Émile Soleil is believed to have committed suicide, it emerged today.
2025-03-26 16:17:41 - VI News Staff
Father Claude Gilliot, 85, is believed to have ‘taken his own life’ last Saturday week at his home in Aix-en-Provence, French media reports.
This is exceptionally unusual for Roman Catholic clergy, who view suicide as a mortal sin, on a par with murder.
Emile Soleil went missing from a sleepy Alpine village in France in 2023
An investigating source said the cause of death was a ‘massive overdose’. He was said to have left a note telling family he loved them.
“Warn my sister. Tell her I love her. Tell my brother-in-law, I love them,” the letter reportedly read.
“Love alone matters. Proclaim the Gospel. God is good and merciful, O sweet Jesus, gentle and humble of heart.”