Archbishop François Gayot, who went to Rome, representing the Catholic Church of Haiti at the occasion of the International Commission on Migration (CIM), had been hospitalized urgently to Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy following a discomfort. He died last Thursday due to complications at the age of 83.

Born in Saint Louis du Nord (North West) on July 17, 1927, Mhr. Francois Gayot was ordained a priest in the Society of Missionaries of Mary or Monfortain, on February 7, 1954.

On November 22, 1974, Pope Paul VI appointed Bishop of Cap-Haitien to replace Bishop Albert Cousineau, died. He was consecrated next February 2 by Archbishop Luigi Barbarito following, at this time apostolic nuncio in Haiti.

On April 7, 1988, Pope Jean Paul II erected the Diocese of Cap-Haitien, in metropolitan Archdiocese, elevating at the same time Bishop Gayot at the dignity of archbishop. Having reached the age limit of 75 years set by canon law, Mgr Gayot had retired the November 5, 2003.

President of the Episcopal Conference for several years, Mgr. Francois Gayot, helped promote the Pastoral Office of Bishops. According to him, an episcopal conference should not be an isolated group of bishops, but a "school of communion", as said Jean-Paul II, that is to say an episcopate who reflects, thinks, prays and decides together.

Archbishop François Gayot was recognized for the serenity of his moral authority, the moderation of his speech and personality imbued with great modesty. He was regarded during his ministry as a great humanist and perceived by the Haitian church as one who could become the first cardinal of Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre