Pierre-Marie Gerlier
Pierre-Marie Gerlier was a French Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the Archbishop of Lyon from 1937 until his death in 1965. He was also the Primate of Gaul and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1937. Gerlier is noted for his actions during World War II, where he condemned the deportation of Jews and encouraged religious institutes to hide Jewish children, though he is also criticized for his inaction regarding the deportation of Jacques Helbronner.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Lyon from 1937 until his death.
- ›Was elevated to the cardinalate in 1937.
- ›Condemned the deportation of Jews during World War II and advocated for their hiding.
- ›Posthumously awarded the title Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 1981.
- ›Championed the Worker-Priest movement and ecumenism.
- ›Participated in three papal conclaves (1939, 1958, 1963).
- Condemned the Deportation of Jews During Wwii and Facilitated Hiding For Jewish Children.
- Championed the Worker-Priest Movement.
- Endorsed the Taizé Community.
- Received éDouard Herriot's Deathbed Conversion To Catholicism.
About Pierre-Marie Gerlier
Pierre-Marie Gerlier: Archbishop of Lyon and Cardinal
Pierre-Marie Gerlier (1880–1965) was a significant figure in the Roman Catholic Church in France, serving as the Archbishop of Lyon from 1937 until his death. He also held the esteemed honorary title of Primate of Gaul and was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in 1937.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Versailles, Gerlier pursued an ecclesiastical career after initially studying law and serving as an officer in the French Army during World War I, where he was wounded and captured. He was ordained a priest in 1921 and engaged in pastoral work in Paris. His episcopal journey began with his appointment as Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes in 1929. In 1937, he was appointed Archbishop of Lyon and created Cardinal-Priest of Ss. Trinità al Monte Pincio.
Contributions and Controversies During World War II
During the Second World War, Cardinal Gerlier took a public stance against the deportation of Jews to Nazi death camps, condemning the severe conditions and encouraging Roman Catholic religious institutes to provide shelter for Jewish children. For these efforts, he was posthumously awarded the title Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 1981. However, his tenure was also marked by controversy, notably his inaction in preventing the deportation of Jacques Helbronner, a prominent French Jew and president of the Consistoire, who was a personal acquaintance.
Post-War Ministry and Legacy
In the post-war era, Gerlier was an active participant in papal conclaves, casting votes in 1939, 1958, and 1963. He championed social causes, notably the Worker-Priest movement and ecumenism, and was an advocate for the Taizé Community. He also expressed strong opinions on cultural matters, famously describing the film "Une caprice de Caroline chérie" as a "scandalous display of vice." Gerlier died in Lyon in 1965 at the age of 85 and is interred in Lyon Cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pierre-Marie Gerlier born and when did he die?
Pierre-Marie Gerlier was born on January 14, 1880, and he died on January 17, 1965.
What was Pierre-Marie Gerlier's role in the Catholic Church?
He served as the Archbishop of Lyon from 1937 until his death, held the title of Primate of Gaul, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1937.
What were Pierre-Marie Gerlier's actions during World War II?
During World War II, Gerlier condemned the deportation of Jews and asked religious institutes to take Jewish children into hiding. He was posthumously recognized by Yad Vashem for these efforts.
What is Pierre-Marie Gerlier known for in terms of social issues?
He championed the Worker-Priest movement and ecumenism, including endorsing the Taizé Community.
Did Pierre-Marie Gerlier participate in papal conclaves?
Yes, he was a cardinal elector and participated in the papal conclaves of 1939, 1958, and 1963.
Related Archbishops
Albert Decourtray
Albert Decourtray was a French Catholic Cardinal and Archbishop of Lyon. He made significant contributions as a professor, vicar general, and later as a bishop and archbishop, also serving in leadership roles for the Episcopal Conference of France. His work extended to international recognition, including receiving the Légion d'honneur and a prize for human rights.
Louis-Jacques-Maurice de Bonald
Louis-Jacques-Maurice de Bonald was a French cardinal and Archbishop of Lyon. He was the son of the philosopher Louis Gabriel Ambroise de Bonald and was known for his involvement in a dispute over a pastoral letter and his advocacy for the Pope's temporal power.
Eucherius of Lyon
Eucherius of Lyon (c. 380 – c. 449) was a high-ranking ecclesiastic in Roman Gaul, known for his advocacy of extreme self-abnegation and his writings on spiritual interpretation. He served as Archbishop of Lyon from 439 and is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.