The cardinal plans to continue his work as archbishop of Lyon.
The French bishops, meeting in Lourdes for their annual assembly, are expected to elect a new president. Cardinal Billé held the post for five years.
In a message to the gathering, Cardinal Billé said the Church´s priorities in France lie in catechesis and marriage preparation for couples.
Regarding the international situation, Cardinal Billé said it «is legitimate to foresee and repress terrorist acts; however, peace will not come by responding to violence with violence.»
