The Bulletin of the Holy See announced that Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Mons. Luc Cyr, metropolitan archbishop of Sherbrooke (Canada). With this decision, the episcopal see of one of the most relevant dioceses in Quebec becomes vacant after more than a decade of pastoral service by Mons. Cyr. The reason for his resignation is unknown at this time.
Background of Mons. Luc Cyr
According to the Assemblée des évêques catholiques du Québec, Mons. Cyr was born on November 21, 1953, in Saint-Jérôme. He studied at Collège Marie-Victorin and at the CÉGEP in his hometown, then entered the Grand Séminaire de Montréal from 1976 to 1980, where he also completed a bachelor’s degree in Theology at the University of Montreal.
He was ordained a priest on August 29, 1980, by Mons. Charles Valois. Subsequently, he undertook a spiritual retreat in Florence (1984-1985) and obtained the licentiate in Moral Theology at the Alphonsian University of Rome (1985-1987). In 1999, he was honored as Prelate of Honor of His Holiness.
Pastoral Service and Episcopal Ministry
After his ordination, Mons. Cyr served as vicar in the cathedral of Saint-Jérôme and in the Saint-Louis-de-France parish in Terrebonne. Later, he was pastor of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Blainville (1987-1994). He also held roles in diocesan pastoral care, accompanying future priests and serving as vicar general of the diocese of Saint-Jérôme.
In 2001, he was appointed Bishop of Valleyfield, a position he held until 2011, when Benedict XVI designated him as metropolitan archbishop of Sherbrooke. During his ministry, he was characterized by close pastoral accompaniment and the promotion of new priestly vocations.
An Era That Concludes
After fourteen years at the helm of the Archdiocese of Sherbrooke, Mons. Luc Cyr submitted his resignation upon reaching the age of 71. The acceptance by Pope Leo XIV marks the end of an era in the life of the Church in Quebec, where he leaves the memory of a pastor deeply connected to the life of his communities.
Awaiting the appointment of his successor, the archdiocese begins a period of sede vacante under the administration provided by canon law.