French Cardinal Billé, 63, Battling Cancer

PARIS, NOV. 5, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Louis-Marie Billé, 63, resigned the presidency of the French episcopate unexpectedly Oct. 24 after his doctors confirmed he has colon cancer.

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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.»

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