Mgr Jean Pelletier, a priest of the diocese of Angers since 1994, has been appointed as the new bishop of Mende, becoming the first French bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV. This announcement was made by the Holy See Press Office just twelve days after Pope Leo XIV's election.

Mgr Pelletier succeeds Mgr Benoît Bertrand, who has been designated as the bishop of Pontoise effective June 4, 2024.

In response to his appointment, Mgr Pelletier expressed his astonishment, describing it as a tremendous surprise during an interview with Radio chrétienne francophone (RCF).

According to Vatican sources, the ailing Pope Francis indicated Mgr Pelletier's name during the selection process.

Mgr Pelletier commented, "This small detail moved me deeply.

I wouldn't say it's the finger of God, but there is something very strong about it."

At 62 years old, Mgr Pelletier has served in various capacities, including roles in school chaplaincy and parish ministry.

Since 2022, he has led the Maison Charles de Foucauld, a pre-seminary institution located in the diocese of Rennes in Saint-Pern, Ille-et-Vilaine.

The diocese of Angers highlights his responsibilities in parish settings and as the episcopal delegate for the service of ordained ministers and laypersons in ecclesiastical mission.

Mgr Pelletier will be officially ordained as a bishop on September 7 at 15:30 in the Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Privat Cathedral in Mende.

His successor, Robert Francis Prevost, appointed on May 8, has taken a stand emphasizing the need for economic reforms that protect nature and uplift the marginalized, addressing an audience that included international leaders such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mgr Pelletier noted the importance of Pope Leo XIV's initial message about a "disarmed and disarming peace," underlining its relevance to contemporary global challenges.