Maurice Feltin

Maurice Feltin: Archbishop of Paris and Cardinal

Maurice Feltin (1883 – 1975) was a prominent French cardinal of the Catholic Church, best known for his service as the Archbishop of Paris from 1949 to 1966. He was elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Pius XII in 1953. Feltin's long career spanned significant periods of French and global history, including both World Wars and the Algerian War, during which his stances often drew attention and controversy.

Early Life and Ordination

Born in Delle, Feltin pursued his theological studies at the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, and was ordained a priest on July 3, 1909. His early pastoral work was in Besançon until 1914. During World War I, he served as a stretcher bearer in the French Army, earning military honors including the Croix de Guerre, Médaille militaire, and Légion d'honneur.

Episcopal Career and Cardinalate

Feltin's episcopal career began with his appointment as Bishop of Troyes in 1927 by Pope Pius XI. He was subsequently promoted to Archbishop of Sens in 1932 and then Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1935. Following France's defeat in 1940, Feltin navigated a complex wartime period, supporting the Vichy regime while simultaneously providing refuge for Jews and aiding the escape of the Grand Rabbi of France. In 1949, he was appointed the twenty-third Archbishop of Paris. His elevation to Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria della Pace by Pope Pius XII in 1953 marked a significant point in his ecclesiastical career. He participated as a cardinal elector in the papal conclaves of 1958 and 1963.

Stances and Later Years

During the Algerian War, Feltin expressed strong support for the French Army and dismissed allegations of widespread torture as "exaggerations." He also opposed the legalization of conscientious objection, which led to displeasure in anti-war Catholic circles. He attended the Second Vatican Council between 1962 and 1965. Feltin resigned as Archbishop of Paris on December 21, 1966. In his later years, he was noted for his involvement in public handshakes between Catholic prelates and leaders of Freemasonry following a meeting in 1969. He died in Thiais at the age of 92 and was buried in Notre Dame Cathedral.

Trivia

Feltin is noted for condemning the legend of Santa Claus, arguing it detracted from the Christian meaning of Christmas. In 1959, his request to revive the Worker-Priest movement, albeit under strict controls, was denied by the Holy Office. He also denied Édith Piaf a religious funeral in 1963 due to her controversial life, though a memorial Mass was held for her decades later.