Career
He held liberal, progressive views influenced by the climate of the Second Vatican Council. He became prominent because of an altercation with Admiral Sanguinetti, over France"s possession of a nuclear deterrent. He died following a swimming accident.
His successor, Jean-Marie Lustiger, avoided any reference to Riobé during his installation after a fifteen-month interregnum (1979).
Riobé promoted a de-centered vision of the priesthood, arguing in favor of the creation of new types of ministries.