A Malagasy priest stationed for 18 months in a small village in Haute-Loire, France, is suspected of disappearing with collection money, according to an article published Thursday by Le Parisien. After taking leave in his home country in March, he never returned to his post. The Diocese of Puy-en-Velay estimates that several thousand euros, between 3,000 and 6,000, were discreetly taken from the collection basket. Parishioners had noticed that banknotes were disappearing, leaving only coins behind. Alerted, the bishop summoned the priest, who denied the allegations but provided no explanation. Shortly after, he flew to Madagascar and has not been heard from since. The diocese removed him from his duties, but no complaint was filed. Authorities deemed the procedure too costly and complicated to pursue against a man now outside their territory. The news shocked residents. The mayor lamented that the Church continues to be funded by the community while the faithful's donations vanished. The bishop acknowledged that cash collection management remains fragile and easily subject to misappropriation.