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AP Photo/Thibault Camus
World News

Paris priest hails 'sense of hope' after Macron elected French President

Fr Aidan Troy from St Joseph's near the Arc de Triomphe also said the independent centrist faces multiple challenges beginning his five-year term.

Speaking with Premier, he said: "People know that between terrorism, huge unemployment and huge divisions in French society, that there is a need for some type of new face, new movement.

"I think there's that sense of hope, that's what I've picked up so far."

AP Photo/Thibault Camus

Macron, a pro-European and former investment banker who has never run for office before, will become the youngest president France has ever had.

With 90 per cent of the votes counted on Monday morning, the 39 year old had 64 per cent support, compared to 36 per cent held by his far-right rival Marine Le Pen.

Speaking before thousands of supporters gathered outside the Louvre Museum in Paris, Mr Macron vowed to heal social divisions in France.

He said: "I know the divisions in our nation that led some to extreme votes. I respect them. I know the anger, the anxiety, the doubts that a large number of you also expressed. It is my responsibility to hear them."

Mr Macron's win cements the place of France as a fundamental pillar of the European Union and represents the third time in six months - following votes in Austria and the Netherlands - when far-right populists have been rejected by voters.

Fr Aidan Troy from St Joseph's said Mr Marcon represents a change for France.

He said: "It's a new focus and I hope that will work and I hope it will bring happiness, peace, prosperity and justice to the people of France. Certainly, that's my prayer this morning."

Click here to listen to Premier's Alex Williams speaking with Fr Aiden Troy:

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