LE CAMUS, EMILE-PAUL. - Biblical scholar, b. at Malvirade, near Castelnaudary, 24 Aug. 1839, d. there 28 Sept. 1906. Le C., one of the most eminent figures of the French clergy, was vicar general of Carcassonne and, from 18 Apr. 1901, bishop of La Rochelle. He carried out extensive activity during the struggle for the separation of Church and State and during the period of incipient modernism. A broad-minded apologist, he nevertheless reacted to error with doctrinal firmness, especially in Vrai et fausse exégèse (Paris 1903); Fausse exégèse, mauvaise théologie (there 1904).
Among his works on New Testament history, the following enjoyed notable success: Le vie de N. S. Jésus-Christ (Paris 1883; 7th ed., in 3 vols., there 1907) and L'oeuvre des Apôtres (3 vols., there 1905), both translated into Italian. His travel reminiscences are also read with pleasure: Notre voyage aux pays bibliques (3 vols., there 1890); Voyage aux sept églises de l'Apocalypse (there 1896); Les enfants de Nazareth (Brussels 1900).