He was born in Vaureilles, Pachins, in France. His family were farmers. His first baptismal forename was Gabriel but used another baptismal name, François, so as to avoid confusion with a classmate (no relation) who was also named Gabriel Marty. Educated at the Seminary of Rodez and the Catholic Institute of Toulouse, he received ordination to the priesthood on 28 June 1930, in Rodez. He worked as a pastor in the diocese of Rodez from 1930 until 1951, and then served as vicar general of the diocese to 1952.
He was known as an advocate of the working class and a leader of the church's mission to bring disaffected people back to the church.[1] He worked to create a 'Christian humanism' to engage with French atheists.[2]
He was created a cardinal and appointed Cardinal-Priest of San Luigi dei Francesi by Pope Paul VI in the consistory of 28 April 1969. He took part in the conclaves that elected Pope John Paul I[3] and Pope John Paul II. He resigned the pastoral government of the archdiocese, 31 January 1981. He lost the right to participate in any further conclaves when turned 80 years of age in 1984. He died on 16 February 1994 in a car and train accident.[4]
After the first meeting between Church and Freemasonry which had been held on 11 April 1969 at the convent of the Divine Master in Ariccia, he was the protagonist of a series of public handshakes between high prelates of the Roman Catholic Church and the heads of Freemasonry.[5]
