Augustin-Jean-Charles Clement Bishop of Versailles. Date of Birth: 01.01.1717

Content:

1. Jean-Baptiste Gobel, Bishop of Versailles
2. Political Involvement
3. Return to Public Life
4. Religious Writings
5. Appeals to the Pope
6. Retirement

Jean-Baptiste Gobel, Bishop of Versailles

Early Life and Religious Beliefs

Jean-Baptiste Gobel was born in Thann, Alsace, in 1727. He became a priest in 1750 and eventually rose to the position of Bishop of Lydda in 1772. Gobel was a devout Jansenist, a Catholic movement that emphasized personal morality and opposed the Jesuit order.

Political Involvement

During the French Revolution, Gobel supported the revolutionary government and took the civic oath in 1791. However, he was imprisoned as a priest in 1794 and spent eight months in jail.

Return to Public Life

Following his release, Gobel resumed his activities as a writer and advocate for religious freedom. He joined forces with the Abbé Grégoire and published numerous pamphlets defending religion. In 1797, he was appointed Constitutional Bishop of Versailles.

Religious Writings

Gobel authored several important works, including brochures on the indissolubility of marriage, the observance of Sunday despite the Republican calendar, and the need for a universal council to reform the Catholic Church.

Appeals to the Pope

Gobel repeatedly appealed to Pope Pius VII and his predecessors to restore the ancient and pure faith in the Church. He urged them to convene an ecumenical council to address the Church's many problems.

Retirement

When Pope Pius VII negotiated the Concordat of 1801 with Napoleon, Gobel resigned his episcopal office. He died in Paris in 1803 at the age of 76.

Religious figure

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