The current Archbishop of Lille, Laurent Ulrich, 70, was appointed Archbishop of Paris by Pope Francis on Tuesday, the Conference of Bishops of France announced in a press release.
An appointment following a resignation
He succeeds Michel Aupetit, whose resignation had been accepted at the beginning of December by the sovereign pontiff, after several newspapers lent him a romantic relationship with a woman whom he categorically denied.
Bishop Aupetit was also criticized for his management of human resources at the head of the most important diocese in France.
Archbishop of Lille since 2008, Mgr Ulrich presents a moderate profile within the Catholic episcopate.
He has social fiber and is involved in the cause of migrants.
An archbishop of Dijon
A native of Dijon, holder of a double master's degree in philosophy and theology, he was ordained a priest in 1979 for the diocese of Lyon, where he became episcopal vicar then vicar general.
It was in 2000 that he was appointed Bishop of Maurienne and Tarentaise, in Chambéry.
Later, he held several positions in the Conference of Bishops of France.
"It was a surprise, a complete surprise," he told RCF Hauts-de-France on Tuesday, thinking of spending his last years in the diocese of Lille (a bishop's retirement is at 75).
“My ministry in Paris is going to be a ministry that wants to manifest the friendship of Christ,” he added.
His installation in Paris will take place on May 23 in the Saint-Sulpice church.
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Company
Pope Francis
Paris
Nomination
Ile-de-France