14 Facts About Albert Decourtray

Albert Decourtray was born in the hamlet of L'Amiteuse near Lille, France.

Albert Decourtray entered the minor seminary of Haubourdin in October 1940, later entering the Grand Seminary of Lille in 1941.

Albert Decourtray was ordained on 29 June 1947 and completed his studies at the Catholic Faculties of Lille in 1948.

Albert Decourtray then went to Rome in 1948 where he entered the Pontifical Gregorian University studying for a doctorate in theology.

Albert Decourtray was responsible for the formation of young priests of the diocese of Lille in 1958.

Albert Decourtray served as vicar general of the diocese of Lille in 1966.

Albert Decourtray was appointed titular bishop of Ippona Zarito and Auxiliary Bishop of Dijon by Pope Paul VI on 27 May 1971.

Albert Decourtray was bishop of Dijon until he was promoted to the metropolitan see of Lyon on 29 October 1981.

Albert Decourtray was elected vice-president of the Episcopal Conference of France serving from 1981 until 1987 and was then elected its president, serving until 1990.

Albert Decourtray was a member of the Council of Cardinals for the Study of the Organizational and Economic Problems of the Holy See from 1986.

Albert Decourtray was appointed an Officer of the Legion d'honneur in 1986.

Albert Decourtray was elected to a one-year term as president of the Council of the Christian Churches of France on 17 November 1987.

Albert Decourtray received his first prize of the Droits de l'Homme in 1988.

Albert Decourtray was elected a member of the Academie Francaise on 1 June 1993.