André Vingt-Trois
André Vingt-Trois was a French cardinal of the Catholic Church who served as the Archbishop of Paris from 2005 to 2017 and previously as the Archbishop of Tours from 1999 to 2005. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. Vingt-Trois was also known for his opposition to same-sex marriage in France.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Paris from 2005 to 2017.
- ›Previously served as Archbishop of Tours from 1999 to 2005.
- ›Appointed as a cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.
- ›Was a member of several Vatican congregations.
- ›Participated in the 2013 papal conclave.
- ›Was a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage in France.
- Served As Archbishop of Paris
- Served As Archbishop of Tours
- Elected President of the French Episcopal Conference
About André Vingt-Trois
André Vingt-Trois was a French cardinal of the Catholic Church. He held significant leadership positions within the church, most notably serving as the Archbishop of Paris from 2005 to 2017. Before his tenure in Paris, he was the Archbishop of Tours from 1999 to 2005.
Early Life and Ordination
Born in Paris on November 7, 1942, Vingt-Trois completed his secondary studies at the Lycée Henri IV and entered the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice. He obtained a licentiate in moral theology from the Institut Catholique de Paris. He was ordained to the diaconate in October 1968 and to the priesthood on June 28, 1969. His early pastoral work focused on catechetics and the formation of the laity, including roles as a vicar and later as director of the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice.
Episcopate and Cardinalate
Vingt-Trois was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Paris and Titular Bishop of Thibilis on June 25, 1988. His episcopal consecration occurred on October 14, 1988. He was appointed Archbishop of Tours on April 21, 1999, and then Archbishop of Paris on February 11, 2005. Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of Cardinal-Priest of S. Luigi dei Francesi in the consistory of November 23, 2007. During his time as a cardinal, he served in various Vatican congregations, including the Congregation for Bishops and the Pontifical Council for the Family. He was also a cardinal elector in the 2013 papal conclave.
Later Life and Death
André Vingt-Trois was known for his public stance against the introduction of same-sex marriage in France. Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Paris on December 7, 2017. He died on July 18, 2025, at the age of 82. His funeral was held at Notre-Dame Cathedral, where he was subsequently buried in the Archbishop's Vault.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was André Vingt-Trois born and when did he die?
André Vingt-Trois was born on November 7, 1942, and died on July 18, 2025. He lived to be 82 years old.
What were André Vingt-Trois's most significant roles in the Catholic Church?
He served as the Archbishop of Paris from 2005 to 2017 and prior to that, as the Archbishop of Tours from 1999 to 2005. He was also made a cardinal in 2007.
What was André Vingt-Trois's stance on same-sex marriage?
Vingt-Trois was a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage in France. He warned in 2013 that introducing it could incite violence and split society.
Where did André Vingt-Trois receive his episcopal consecration?
His episcopal consecration took place on October 14, 1988, in Notre-Dame Cathedral, with Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger serving as the principal consecrator.
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