Security forces and emergency services are on the scene, according to the French Interior Minister, who called on the population to avoid moving into that area of Lyon.
A police source came to the AFP news agency who the suspect was armed with a shotgun.
According to the Reuters agency, the attacked priest is in serious condition, with “injuries that threaten his life”.
The attack occurred at 4 pm local time, when the priest was closing the church, according to French media.
The priest’s identity has not been revealed, but sources at the scene say his nationality is Greek.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said he would activate an emergency response team in coordination with President Emmanuel Macron.
This Saturday’s attack comes just days after three people were killed in a knife attack in Nice, France, also in a church.
Emmanuel Macron called this incident “an Islamist terrorist attack” and put thousands of military personnel to protect public places.
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