French bishops condemn violence after weekend protests

French bishops condemned the violence that occurred during protests on the weekend of October 17-18, describing the rioting as unacceptable. In a statement released October 19, the French Episcopal Conference said the unrest caused shock, fear, and despair across the country.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille and president of the French Episcopal Conference, reported that the violence in Marseille included the looting of shops, break-ins at churches, the invasion and vandalism of the town hall, and the ransacking of a police station. He expressed solidarity with injured individuals and shopkeepers while urging citizens to reject a spiral of violence.

In Paris, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich stated the city was disfigured by the weekend's violence. The unrest, which began as protests against the rising cost of living and a high school student movement, involved clashes between demonstrators and police that left hundreds of officers injured.

Vandalism and arson affected several cities. Protesters targeted city halls and prefectural offices in Marseille, Lille, Angers, and Bordeaux. In Lyon, a tourist information office was burned, and in Limoges, flames destroyed the city hall. Other reports noted that shops were looted and public property was damaged throughout the country.