AMETTE, LÉON-ADOLPHE

AMETTE, LÉON-ADOLPHE. - Cardinal, b. at Douville (Evreux) on 6 Sept. 1850, d. at Antony (Paris) on 29 Aug. 1920. He began his studies at the seminary of Evreux and continued them at that of S. Sulpizio in Paris. Ordained priest in 1873, he was vicar of Evreux cathedral, episcopal secretary, titular canon, vicar general, and archpriest of Pont-Audemer. In 1898 he was named bishop of Bayeux and, at the consistory of 21 Feb. 1906, while the religious conflict was raging in France, Pius X promoted him titular archbishop, appointing him coadjutor, with right of succession, to Card. Richard, archbishop of Paris, whom he succeeded in 1908. In 1911 he was created cardinal of the title of S. Sabina. A.'s strong personality made itself felt in the French metropolis, all the more so because 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 a considerable number of subsidiary churches, and worked toward a rapprochement between the Holy See and the French government, which culminated in the normal resumption of diplomatic relations.