Sommier, Jean Claude

Sommier, Jean Claude, a French prelate, was born July 22, 1661, at Vauvillers, and studied at Besancon, where he became doctor in theology and law. He was first curate of Girancourt, and afterwards (1696) at Champs. He became preacher to Leopold I of Lorraine, and was engaged in several important negotiations of state. Benedict XIII made him archbishop of Caesarea and prothonotary apostolic in 1725, and the same year he received the provostship of St. Die and other ecclesiastical honors. His zeal for clerical privileges involved him in a controversy with the bishop of Toul, which continued till his death, Oct. 3, 1737. He is the author of several works on local Church history, for which see Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.