Olivier de Germay

Olivier Jacques Marie Certain de Germay de Cirfontaine is a French prelate of the Catholic Church who currently serves as the metropolitan archbishop of Lyon. Born on September 18, 1960, in Tours, France, his early life included a notable period of service as a paratrooper in the French army, where he participated in missions in Chad, Central Africa, and Iraq.

Early Life and Military Service

After completing his education, including studies at the Special Military School of Saint-Cyr, de Germay served for five years as an army paratrooper, leaving the army with the rank of lieutenant. He later reflected on a profound moment of insight experienced in Africa, realizing the importance of moving away from a self-centered life and seeking inner peace.

Priesthood and Episcopacy

De Germay entered the seminary in 1991 and pursued theological studies in France and Rome, earning a licentiate in moral theology. He was ordained a priest on May 17, 1998, for the Archdiocese of Toulouse. His priestly ministry involved various pastoral roles, including serving as a vicar, pastor, and dean, as well as teaching theology.

On February 22, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Ajaccio. He received his episcopal consecration on April 14, 2012. As bishop, he advocated for peace and fraternity in response to anti-Muslim sentiment and participated in the 2015 Synod on the Family, highlighting the importance of accompaniment for divorced and remarried individuals within the Church.

Metropolitan Archbishop of Lyon

Pope Francis named Olivier de Germay Metropolitan Archbishop of Lyon on October 22, 2020, and he was installed on December 20, 2020. His appointment was considered a surprise by some. As archbishop, he holds the distinguished title of Primate of the Gauls. He has approached his role in Lyon with a sense of humility, acknowledging the issues of sexual abuse and his predecessor's trial.