Denis-Auguste Affre

Denis-Auguste Affre (27 September 1793–27 June 1848), archbishop of Paris, was born at St Rome, in the department of Tarn.

He was educated for the priesthood at Saint-Sulpice, where in 1818 he became professor of dogmatic theology. After filling a number of ecclesiastical offices, he was elevated to the archbishopric of Paris in 1840. Though opposed to the government of Louis-Philippe, he took no part in politics, but devoted himself to his pastoral work. His episcopate, however, is chiefly remembered owing to its tragic close. During the insurrection of June 1848 the archbishop was led to believe that by his personal interference peace might be restored between the soldiery and the insurgents. Accordingly, in spite of the warning of General Cavaignac, he mounted the barricade at the entrance to the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, bearing a green branch as sign of peace. He had spoken only a few words, however, when the insurgents, hearing some shots, and fancying they were betrayed, opened fire upon the national guard, and the archbishop fell, struck by a stray bullet. He was removed to his palace, where he died on 27 June.

Next day the National Assembly issued a decree expressing their great sorrow on account of his death; and the public funeral on 7 July was one of the most striking spectacles of its kind.

The archbishop wrote several treatises of considerable value, including an Essai sur les hieroglyphes egyptiens (Paris, 1834), in which he showed that Champollion's system was insufficient to explain the hieroglyphics.

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• Ricard, Les grands eveques de l'eglise de France au XIXe siècle (Lille, 1893)
• L. Alazard, Denis-Auguste Affre, archeveque de Paris (Paris, 1905)
• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

de:Denis Auguste Affre fr:Denys Affre

Preceded by: Hyacinthe-Louis de Quélen

Archbishop of Paris 1840–1848

Succeeded by: Marie Dominique Auguste Sibour|} Credits New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here: Denis-Auguste Affre  history The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia: History of "Denis-Auguste Affre" Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.