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.
Biography
Denis-Augiste Affre was born at St. Rome-de-Tam in France into a devout Catholic family. Ar the age of 14 he entered the Saint Sulpie Seminary, which at the time was directed by his uncle, Denis Boyer. Affre excelled in his studies for the priesthood, and after graduation in 1818 he served as professor of dogmatic theology at Nantes. Upon ordination, he became a member of the Sulpician Community. HAfter 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.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Ricard, Les grands eveques de l'eglise de France au XIXe siècle (Lille, 1893)
- L. Alazard, L 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.
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