French military chaplain faces discipline over political remarks

Romain Ghandour, a military chaplain attached to the 3e and 8e RPIMa parachute regiments in Carcassonne, is facing disciplinary action following the release of a video from a sermon delivered on October 7, 2025. In the footage, Ghandour criticized leaders as “incompetent” and told his audience to “calm down, leftists.”

The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has announced the opening of a disciplinary procedure, as the remarks are viewed as a violation of the principle of political neutrality required of military chaplains. Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin confirmed the move, noting that the chaplain had previously received a formal reprimand and issued public apologies at the time of the sermon.

In addition to the chaplain, the former commander of the regiment is also reportedly under investigation by the Chief of the Army Staff. The investigation follows reports that the officer failed to uphold the obligation of reserve and neutrality during the incident. The Catholic diocese has also launched an inquiry into Ghandour’s conduct.