Archbishop of Toulouse withdraws nomination of convicted rapist as Chancellor. Archbishop thanks him for "genuine openness of heart"... no apology!

APPOINTMENT

At my request, Father Dominique Spina has stepped down as Chancellor with genuine openness of heart. I thank him for this.

I therefore appoint, after consultation, Father Léopold Biyoki as Chancellor of the Diocese of Toulouse, effective September 1, 2025.

+ Guy de Kerimel

Archbishop of Toulouse

Published on August 16, 2025

As many expected, Bishop de Kerimel unfortunately did not apologize for this appointment, nor for the affront to the victims, nor for the confusion it caused to his diocesan Faithful and the people of God. Nor, of course, for his pitiful and deviant vision of mercy.

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So ends a scandal that should never have been caused.  A much better choice has been made

By way of background

African Fathers to the rescue of the Church

In a few days, Father Léopold Byoki will celebrate Christmas Mass in the small church of Deymes, in the suburbs of Toulouse. This is a first for this 34-year-old African, originally from Congo-Brazzaville, who was ordained a priest in Toulouse in July 2006 and has been a deacon in the parish of Castanet-Tolosan for the past few months. "It's special for me, because Christmas is a special time for Christians," explains Father Byoki. A Mass celebrated by an African priest: an isolated case in Haute-Garonne? Not really, since in the department, out of 200 priests, 36 are of African origin.

Most of the priests were trained in Toulouse, but around 15 seminarians left their country in the 1990s to seek refuge in the Pink City. These aspirants to the priesthood all fled the political instability of Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, they have been ordained and are providing a temporary solution to the vocations crisis. "This isn't the solution, because they will be called upon to leave for other missions," acknowledges Father Mario Chioeto, vicar general of the diocese. While waiting for their next assignment, these Africans carry out numerous ministries in the parishes of Haute-Garonne.

"They arrive with their qualities, particularly their conviviality and their fine human relations," adds Jean-Loup Lacroix, head of the seminary in Toulouse. Alongside Father Christophe, Father Léopold Byoki conducts ceremonies in Castanet-Tolosan and in the parish's eight churches. "My sensitivity differs from that of my fellow citizens, who are more expansive, because I was trained in France," he adds. Nevertheless, his style is well-liked in the parish. "Father Léopold has gained confidence since his arrival." He speaks softly and makes people think during his ceremonies,” explains Marthe, 81, a faithful of the Castanet church, won over by this cultural and religious mix.

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