François de Laval was a French priest born in 1623 who became the first bishop of Quebec. He played a significant role in the early development of the Catholic Church in New France, which is now part of Canada. Laval was dedicated to establishing parishes and schools, helping to spread Christianity among the Indigenous peoples and French settlers. Laval was appointed bishop in 1659 and worked tirelessly to improve the spiritual and educational landscape of the region. He founded the Seminary of Quebec in 1663, which became an important institution for training priests. His efforts laid the groundwork for the Catholic Church's influence in Canada.