Laurent Ulrich, new archbishop of Paris, now takes office on Monday, during vespers at Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral then a welcome mass at Saint-Sulpice church.

Appointed by Pope Francis last month, the 70-year-old who had been Archbishop of Lille since 2008 succeeds Michel Aupetit after his resignation accepted in early December by the sovereign pontiff.

Bishop Aupetit was challenged for his management of human resources and the newspapers had lent him a romantic relationship with a woman, which he had categorically denied.

Bishop Ulrich cannot be “installed”, like his predecessors, in Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is still being restored after the fire of April 2019 which partially destroyed it. But, very attached to this place, the prelate will begin by celebrating vespers on the square at 4:00 p.m. Then he will collect himself inside the building.

It is at 6.30 p.m. that the welcome mass will take place at the Saint-Sulpice church (6th century), in front of around 2,000 people. The diocese’s 500 priests and deacons have been invited, according to the diocese. Authorities, faithful and about forty bishops will be present.

The diocese of Paris is the largest in France with a hundred parishes and, in addition to its 500 priests, seminarians, monks and nuns, salaried or voluntary lay people involved in numerous movements and missions (homeless, migrants, etc.) .

Like the president of the Conference of Bishops of France (CEF) – currently Eric de Moulins-Beaufort – the new archbishop is the one who embodies the first French cult with political authorities, civil society and the media.

Involved in the cause of migrants, a man with social fiber and recognized organizational talents, Bishop Ulrich presents a moderate profile within the Catholic episcopate, unreservedly espousing the orientations of Pope Francis.

He will have to tackle as a priority to appease and restore unity within the priests and faithful of the diocese, transformed.

Among the files he inherited is also the continuation of the restoration project of Notre-Dame Cathedral, in dialogue with the State and under the watchful eye of the faithful and numerous donors. The monument must be returned to worship by April 2024.

A native of Dijon, holder of a double master’s degree in philosophy and theology, Laurent Ulrich was ordained a priest in 1979 for the diocese of Lyon. In 2000, he was appointed bishop of Chambéry.