Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Archbishop of Paris, Monsignor Michel Aupetit, and appointed Monsignor Georges Pontier, as apostolic administrator
Newsroom (02/12/2021 19:30, Gaudium Press) Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Archbishop of Paris, Archbishop Michel Aupetit, just a week after the request.
The statement was confirmed on Thursday, December 2, by the French bishops’ conference. Archbishop Georges Pontier appointed by Pope Francis as apostolic administrator
On November 26, Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris wrote a letter to the Pope asking for his resignation.
This followed revelations in the French press of an alleged relationship between the Archbishop and a woman. Monsignor Aupetit denied any form of amorous or sexual relationship, but confessed that his behaviour was ambiguous.
Nevertheless, he decided to write the letter to the Pontiff because some Catholics may “have been shocked by the fact,” he explained.
After the announcement of his resignation, Bishop Aupetit said in a statement: “Today, I give thanks to God that my heart is at peace. I thank the numerous people who have shown confidence and support during these eight days”.
Michel Aupetit, was a doctor for eleven years before embracing the priesthood. He was ordained at the age of 44, in 1995. In 2013, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Paris and in 2017 he took over as archbishop. (FM)
