François de Laval

François de Laval was a French priest and the first bishop of Quebec, appointed in 1659. He played a crucial role in establishing the Catholic Church in New France, advocating for education, moral standards, and support for Indigenous peoples. Laval founded the Séminaire de Québec, which became a vital education center. His leadership helped to shape the religious and cultural landscape of Canada during the early colonial period. He is recognized as a key figure in the development of the Catholic Church in North America and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2014.