The priest was seriously injured, police sources said. The incident took place around 4pm local time.
French Prime Minister Jean Costex told reporters that a “serious incident” had taken place, but that “we have no definite facts yet.” Costex said the “crisis center” would be activated.
The French Interior Ministry tweeted that a serious security incident was taking place near Lyon’s Jean-Mackay quarters and that there was a security cordon.
France on Thursday raised its national terror alert guidance to the highest “emergency” level to increase security in schools, churches and other places of worship.
Costex is in the village of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvere in northern France, where he traveled on Saturday to examine new security measures in place after the Nice attack.
More Stories
How List Acquisition Helps Your Political Campaign Become Successful
Four escaped cows were caught
A simple administrative decision? | Press