The Archbishop of Paris, Monsignor Laurent Ulrich, has condemned the serious episodes of violence recorded in the French capital during the weekend of October 17 and 18. The prelate lamented the clashes, looting, and attacks that affected merchants, security forces, and residents, and warned that no social demand can justify violence.
In a statement published this Monday, October 19, by the Archdiocese of Paris, Ulrich noted that the city has been “disfigured” by riots that have overshadowed the legitimate concerns of many citizens, especially young people worried about their future.
The archbishop also recalled the contrast between the scenes of violence in recent days and the atmosphere experienced during the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV to France, which took place less than a month ago.
“We find it hard to believe that this is the same city that welcomed Leo XIV”
Ulrich expressed his dismay at the events recorded over the weekend, when clashes and looting ended up overshadowing the expressions of social discontent.
The archbishop lamented that the violence has pushed into the background the concerns of those who wish to express their worries about the future, particularly young people preparing to take on the responsibilities of adult life.
In his statement, he expressed his difficulty in understanding how Paris, which had recently welcomed the Pontiff in an atmosphere of joy and harmony, had become, just weeks later, the scene of serious riots.
“We find it hard to believe that the same city that welcomed Pope Leo XIV with joy and harmony could have become, less than a month later, the scene of the violence we have witnessed,” he stated.
The contrast is particularly significant following the apostolic visit of Leo XIV to France, held between September 25 and 28, during which the Pope took part in various religious and public events in the capital.
Injured, looted shops, and frightened residents
The archbishop described the consequences of the riots, which left people injured, including numerous police officers and firefighters.
He also referred to merchants who suffered looting and damage to their establishments, as well as journalists who were heckled during the clashes.
Ulrich recalled that many residents, including families and elderly people, felt afraid to leave their homes due to the violence recorded in the streets.
The prelate expressed his closeness to those who have suffered the consequences of the incidents and assured them that they have the support and prayers of the Catholics of Paris.
“Under no pretext can violence be a legitimate response”
In light of what happened, Ulrich called on French society to reject any justification for violent acts.
“In no case, under no pretext, can blind violence, which wounds, steals, and burns, be a legitimate response,” he stated.
The archbishop acknowledged that there are social concerns that deserve to be heard, but warned that clashes and looting end up overshadowing those demands and preventing them from being addressed.
His message thus distinguishes between the legitimate expression of citizen discontent and the acts of violence that have accompanied the protests in recent days.
A call to Catholics to work for social peace
Ulrich urged the faithful of the archdiocese to respond to the situation through prayer, solidarity, and a commitment to coexistence.
The archbishop recalled that it is the responsibility of Catholics to offer comfort to those who have suffered, to foster mutual understanding, and to keep hope alive amid difficulties.
He also invited people to intensify prayers for France in the coming days, so that reason may prevail and social peace may be maintained.
In his message, the prelate insisted on the need to rebuild bonds between people and to work for a just and fraternal society, in the face of the violence that has marked recent days in the French capital.