Earlier version, Wednesday 21 October
Cardinal Aveline calls for peace in France
Bishops
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the French Bishops' Conference and archbishop of Marseille, condemned acts of violence and vandalism that occurred in several French cities on October 17, 2026. Alongside vice-presidents Vincent Jordy, archbishop of Tours, and Benoît Bertrand, bishop of Pontoise, Aveline expressed solidarity with those injured and with shopkeepers who suffered from looting.
The leadership of the French bishops reported that the unrest included attacks on law enforcement officers, the destruction of public equipment, and the ransacking of state buildings. The bishops called for an end to the violence and urged citizens to avoid further escalation, stating that the country deserves better. They requested prayers for the restoration of peace through dialogue and respect for justice.
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Diocese of Soissons–Laon–Saint-Quentin · Diocèse Soissons
Earlier version, Wednesday 21 October
Cardinal Aveline calls for peace in France
Earlier version, Tuesday 20 October
Cardinal Aveline calls for peace amid violent protests in France
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