Lafont was born in Paris and studied in France and Rome; the Pontifical Gregorian University granted him a Licentiate in Theology.

While in Africa as part of the Fidei donum initiative, he also taught at Pretoria's major seminary.

On returning to France, he was National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies for two consecutive terms and served as the Secretary of the French Bishops’ Commission for Missionary Cooperation.

Eventually, the priest had to leave the country because of his protests against the apartheid laws and because of his advocacy on behalf of blacks.

In October 2022, the Dicastery for Bishops handed down a sentence of guilty for sexual abuse.