AMETTE, LÉON-ADOLPHE

LÉON-ADOLPHE AMETTE. — Cardinal, born at Douville (Evreux) on 6 Sept. 1850, died at Antony (Paris) on 29 Aug. 1920. He began his studies in the seminary of Evreux, continuing them at the seminary of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. Ordained priest in 1873, he served as vicar of the cathedral of Evreux, episcopal secretary, titular canon, vicar general, and archpriest of Pont-Audemer. In 1898 he was elected Bishop of Bayeux and, in the consistory of 21 Feb. 1906, while religious strife was raging in France, Pius X promoted him to titular archbishop, appointing him as coadjutor, with right of succession, to Cardinal Richard, Archbishop of Paris, whom he succeeded in 1908. In 1911 he was created Cardinal with the title of Santa Sabina. His strong personality made itself felt in the French metropolis, especially as during the war of 1914–18 he gave proof of enlightened patriotism and love of country. During his episcopate he established more than fifty parishes and several subsidiary churches, and worked for the rapprochement between the Holy See and the French government, which culminated in the normal resumption of diplomatic relations.