Bishop François de Laval

Bishop François de Laval was a French Catholic priest who became the first bishop of New France (now Quebec) in 1663. He played a key role in establishing the church's presence, building churches and schools, and promoting faith and education among settlers and Indigenous peoples. Laval worked to unify the diverse community under Catholic teachings and supported social services like healthcare. His leadership helped shape the religious and cultural foundations of Quebec, and he was canonized as a saint in 2014, recognizing his dedication to faith, education, and community development.