Gérald Cyprien Lacroix
Stored: Gérald Cyprien Lacroix
| His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Lacroix | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Quebec | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Quebec |
| Other diocese 1: | |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 8 May 1988 by Archbishop Maurice Couture |
| Consecration: | 24 November 2001 by Archbishop Marc Ouellet |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 22 February 2014 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Gérald Cyprien Lacroix 27 July 1957 Saint-Hilaire-de-Dorset, Quebec, Canada |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Canada |
| Education: | Saint Anselm College |
| Motto: | "Ut Vitam Habeant" |
| Role: | Archbishop |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | North America |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, ISPX, born July 27, 1957, is a Canadian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada since 2011, and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014. Ordained a priest in 1988 for the Secular Institute Pius X and consecrated a bishop in 2001, he served as an auxiliary bishop of Quebec from 2001 to 2009 and Bishop of Quebec from 2009 to 2011. His moderate theology, reflected in his motto "Ut Vitam Habeant" ("That They May Have Life"), emphasizes pastoral outreach, evangelization, and social engagement, aligning with Francis’ inclusive vision.[1][2] He participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis and, at age 67, remains eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as one of five Canadian electors among 135 cardinals, with the conclave set to begin May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel.[3][4][5]
His pastoral leadership and missionary background, including a decade in Colombia with the Secular Institute Pius X, have earned him recognition as a potential papal candidate due to his pastoral focus.[6] However, a 2024 sexual assault allegation, which he denies and led to a temporary withdrawal from duties before being reinstated by Francis, has raised concerns, likely weakening his candidacy in a conclave dominated by Francis’ progressive appointees, who constitute 108 of the 135 electors. Candidates such as Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle are currently favored.[7][8] His education from Saint Anselm College has shaped his approachable style. As an active cardinal, his influence in the 2025 conclave rests on his vote and pastoral perspective, though the allegation and his regional focus diminish his papal prospects.[3][9]
Biography
Birth and early life
Gérald Cyprien Lacroix was born on July 27, 1957, in Saint-Hilaire-de-Dorset, Quebec, Canada, to a Catholic family in a rural Francophone community. Raised during Canada’s Quiet Revolution, a period of rapid secularization, his vocation emerged from a commitment to missionary work, leading him to join the Secular Institute Pius X at age 20. His family’s faith and Quebec’s cultural shifts shaped his dedication to pastoral engagement.
The Second Vatican Council’s (1962–1965) emphasis on evangelization influenced his moderate theological outlook. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, his intellectual aptitude laid the foundation for his leadership roles.[10][1]
Education
He studied theology at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, earning a bachelor’s degree, and pursued pastoral studies at the Université Laval in Quebec. His formation through the Secular Institute Pius X focused on missionary work and community-building.
His education emphasized Vatican II’s pastoral and social teachings, preparing him to address Canada’s increasingly secular society. His academic background equipped him for episcopal responsibilities.[1][11]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on May 8, 1988, by Archbishop Maurice Couture for the Secular Institute Pius X, he served as a missionary in Colombia from 1982 to 1992, establishing community centers to support local development. He later became director general of the institute from 2001 to 2009, overseeing its global outreach efforts.
His priesthood centered on evangelization and social engagement, addressing challenges in multicultural and secular contexts. His missionary experience contributed to his episcopal appointment.[10][1]
Bishop
Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Quebec on November 24, 2001, by Archbishop Marc Ouellet, he served as Bishop of Quebec from 2009 to 2011 and has been Archbishop of Quebec since 2011. Elevated to cardinal in 2014 with the title Cardinal-Priest of San Giuseppe all’Aurelio, he participated in the 2013 conclave.
His pastoral leadership has prioritized community outreach, but a 2024 sexual assault allegation, which he denies, prompted a temporary withdrawal from duties, later lifted by Francis. Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 67, he remains one of five Canadian electors, though the allegation may impact his candidacy.[3][5][9][12]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Quebec | Auxiliary Bishop | 24 November 2001 | 7 April 2009 | Supported evangelization |
| Archdiocese of Quebec | Bishop | 7 April 2009 | 22 February 2011 | Strengthened pastoral outreach |
| Archdiocese of Quebec | Archbishop | 22 February 2011 | Present | Faced 2024 allegation |
Significant events
- Joined Secular Institute Pius X in 1977.
- Ordained priest for the Secular Institute Pius X in 1988.
- Served as missionary in Colombia, 1982–1992.
- Consecrated auxiliary bishop of Quebec in 2001.
- Appointed Bishop of Quebec in 2009.
- Appointed Archbishop of Quebec in 2011.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014.
- Participated in the 2013 conclave.
- Faced sexual assault allegation in 2024, temporarily withdrew.
- Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Lacroix.
Written by the bishop
- No known books authored by Cardinal Lacroix.
External links
- Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Lacroix’s appointment
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Biography of Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_lacroix.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Lacroix on Pope Francis". KTOTV. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/5q4m1hqbFq.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Cardinal electors in the 2025 papal conclave". Wikipedia. 2025-04-28. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_electors_in_the_2025_papal_conclave.
- ↑ "Conclave to elect new pope to start on May 7, cardinals meet". Reuters. 2025-04-28. https://www.reuters.com/world/conclave-elect-new-pope-start-may-7-cardinals-meet-2025-04-28/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Canada’s cardinals". TorCentre. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/H5LTPyNRae.
- ↑ "Papability Index ranks Lacroix". grok. 2025-04-27. https://t.co/5q4m1hqbFq.
- ↑ "Cardinal electors in the 2025 papal conclave". Wikipedia. 2025-04-21. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_electors_in_the_2025_papal_conclave.
- ↑ "Lacroix as candidate". grok. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/5q4m1hqbFq.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Lacroix as moderate". grok. 2025-04-27. https://t.co/5q4m1hqbFq.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/blacroix.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55637/cardinal-gerald-lacroix.
- ↑ "Cardinal Lacroix appointed Archbishop of Quebec". Vatican News. 2011-02-22. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2011-02/lacroix-quebec.html.