Cardinal Jean Honoré, Archbishop Emeritus of Tours, France, was born on August 13, 1920 in Saint-Brice-en-Coglès, France. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Rennes on June 29, 1943 and received a doctorate in theology from the Catholic Institute of Paris after writing a dissertation directed by Jean Daniélou on the spiritual theology of John Henry Newman.

He taught at St Vincent's College in Rennes and in Saint-Malo, and lectured in dogmatic theology at the major seminary. For six years he worked at the National Religious Education Centre (CNEC). He later served as rector of the Catholic University of Angers.

On October 24, 1972 he was appointed Bishop of Evreux and received episcopal ordination on December 17.

On August 13, 1981 he was promoted to Archbishop of Tours. Following the 1985 Synod of Bishops he was one of the Bishops responsible for overseeing the preparation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

He resigned as Archbishop of Tours on July 22, 1997.

Called personally by the Holy Father to participate in the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 2001).

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of February 21, 2001, of the Title of S. Maria della Salute a Primavalle (Holy Mary of Health at Primavalle).