Philippe Barbarin
Stored: Philippe Barbarin
| His Eminence Philippe Barbarin | |
| Bishop of College of Cardinals | |
| Home diocese: | Archdiocese of Lyon |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Moulins |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 17 December 1977 by Bishop Gabriel Matagrin |
| Consecration: | 22 November 1998 by Archbishop Louis-Marie Billé |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 21 October 2003 by Pope John Paul II |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Philippe Xavier Christian Ignace Marie Barbarin 17 October 1950 Rabat, Morocco |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | France |
| Education: | University of Paris-Sorbonne |
| Motto: | "Quo vadis, Domine?" |
| Role: | Emeritus |
| Theology: | Conservative |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, born October 17, 1950, is a French prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his tenure as Archbishop of Lyon from 2002 to 2020 and his elevation to cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II. Ordained a priest in 1977 for the Diocese of Créteil and consecrated a bishop in 1998, he served as Primate of the Gauls, participating in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves. His conservative theology, reflected in his motto "Quo vadis, Domine?" ("Where are you going, Lord?"), emphasized traditional moral teachings and interfaith dialogue, notably with Muslim leaders in Lyon. However, his legacy is overshadowed by a high-profile scandal involving his failure to report clergy sexual abuse by priest Bernard Preynat, leading to a 2019 conviction (overturned in 2020) and his resignation in 2020, accepted by Pope Francis. At age 74, Barbarin is eligible for the 2025 papal conclave following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as confirmed by X posts, but his participation has sparked controversy due to abuse allegations, with public sentiment on X calling it a “disgrace” (Post ID: 0, 7).
Barbarin’s leadership strengthened Lyon’s Catholic institutions and ecumenical efforts, but the abuse scandal, involving decades of cover-up, severely tarnished his reputation, making him a polarizing figure. His academic background in theology and philosophy from the University of Paris-Sorbonne shaped his intellectual approach. Despite his conclave eligibility, Barbarin is not considered a papal contender due to the scandal and his emeritus status, as noted in recent analyses (Web ID: 19). As an emeritus cardinal, his influence in the post-Francis Church is limited, centered on his historical role and ongoing pastoral work in Jerusalem, though his conclave participation remains contentious (Post ID: 1, 2, 3, 4).
Biography
Birth and early life
Philippe Barbarin was born on October 17, 1950, in Rabat, Morocco, to a French Catholic family during the French protectorate. The youngest of eleven children, he moved to France in 1958, growing up in Paris. His early exposure to the Church’s role in diverse societies sparked a vocation, leading him to enter the Séminaire des Carmes in Paris at age 20.
France’s post-war secularization and the Church’s engagement with modernity shaped Barbarin’s commitment to evangelization. His intellectual aptitude and fluency in French, Arabic, and English were evident early, as he engaged in parish youth programs, foreshadowing his later interfaith work. [1] [2]
Education
Barbarin studied philosophy at the University of Paris-Sorbonne, earning a degree in 1973, and theology at the Institut Catholique de Paris, completing a licentiate in theology. He pursued further studies at the Séminaire des Carmes and the Institut d’Études Théologiques in Brussels, focusing on ecclesiology and interfaith dialogue.
His education emphasized Vatican II’s call for ecumenism and engagement with modern culture, equipping him to lead in France’s secular context. Barbarin’s academic rigor prepared him for pastoral and administrative roles, blending intellectual depth with missionary zeal. [3]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on December 17, 1977, by Bishop Gabriel Matagrin for the Diocese of Créteil, Barbarin served as a parish priest and chaplain to youth and university students (1978–1994). He was vicar general of Créteil (1994–1998), focusing on catechesis and interfaith initiatives, particularly with Muslim communities.
His priesthood combined pastoral ministry with ecumenical outreach, navigating France’s growing secularism. Barbarin’s charismatic preaching and administrative skills positioned him as a rising figure in the French Church, earning him episcopal appointment. [1] [4]
Bishop
Consecrated Bishop of Moulins on November 22, 1998, by Archbishop Louis-Marie Billé, Barbarin served until 2002, promoting evangelization and youth ministry. Appointed Archbishop of Lyon in 2002 and elevated to cardinal in 2003 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Santissima Trinità al Monte Pincio, he led as Primate until 2020. He participated in the 2005 conclave electing Benedict XVI and the 2013 conclave electing Francis.
Barbarin’s tenure was marked by the Preynat abuse scandal, leading to his 2019 conviction for failing to report abuse (overturned in 2020) and resignation in 2020. Now serving in Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarchate, his eligibility for the 2025 conclave at age 74 has drawn criticism due to the scandal (Post ID: 0, 7), limiting his role to voting rather than candidacy. [5] [6][](https://x.com/canardenchaine/status/1914976509564952891)[](https://x.com/AlainDuhamel/status/1103713174786883584)
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Moulins | Bishop | 22 November 1998 | 16 July 2002 | Promoted youth ministry |
| Archdiocese of Lyon | Archbishop | 16 July 2002 | 6 March 2020 | Primate of the Gauls, resigned amid abuse scandal |
Significant events
- Entered Séminaire des Carmes in 1970.
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Créteil in 1977.
- Consecrated Bishop of Moulins in 1998.
- Appointed Archbishop of Lyon in 2002.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003.
- Participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves.
- Convicted for failing to report abuse in 2019, overturned in 2020.
- Resigned as Archbishop of Lyon in 2020.
- Attending 2025 conclave, sparking controversy.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal Barbarin.
Written by the bishop
- Prier 15 jours avec Philippe Barbarin by Philippe Barbarin, ISBN 978-2853136143
External links
- Philippe Cardinal Barbarin at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Barbarin’s resignation
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Philippe Cardinal Barbarin". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bbarbar.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Philippe Barbarin". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55615/cardinal-philippe-barbarin.
- ↑ "Biography of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_barbarin.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Philippe Barbarin". College of Cardinals Report. 2024-11-23. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinal-philippe-barbarin.
- ↑ "Cardinal Barbarin resigns as Archbishop of Lyon". Vatican News. 2020-03-06. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-03/cardinal-barbarin-resigns.html.
- ↑ "Barbarin conviction overturned in French church sex scandal". Reuters. 2020-01-30. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-church-abuse/barbarin-conviction-overturned-in-french-church-sex-scandal-idUSKBN1ZT2G9.