Although the December 11 statement from the administrative council of the French episcopal conference does not name any particular party, there is little doubt that the bishops have in mind the National Front, a rightist party that has built a strong anti-immigrant following.
The bishops’ statement encourages support for candidates who are “firm in their humanity” and “care for everyone.”
The statement was signed by the 10 bishops of the administrative council, including the president of the bishops’ conference, Archbishop Georges Pontier of Marseilles; the vice-presidents, Archbishop Pierre-Marie Carré of Montpellier and Bishop Pascal Delannoy of St. Denis; and Cardinal André Vingt-Trois of Paris.