A 35-year-old missionary, Father Jean-Marie Latour is, as the novel begins, assigned to a post in the Great Lakes region. He’s chosen as the new Bishop of New Mexico based on his youth, his Franciscan training, and his general fitness for a difficult, even dangerous post. Alternately called Father Latour and Bishop Latour in the narrative, he’s ultimately named Archbishop of Santa Fe. Latour’s deep and abiding faith significantly contributes to his characterization. His commitment to God and the church is lifelong, and he feels driven toward ecclesiastical work and called to the role of missionary to lead a diocese in the remote location. Latour is erudite and learned, and he doesn’t agree with other men of the cloth who feel that miracles are more important than church doctrine and the word of God. An educated man, he enjoys works of religious philosophy and forges connections with both other clergy and laypeople who share his appreciation for knowledge.

Latour is solitary and struggles in social situations. He’s introverted and feels most at home alone or while leading his flock. He does, however, deeply value human connection, and his friendship with Father Vaillant in particular sustains him throughout difficult periods.