Richelieu, Armand Jean du Plessis

(1585–1642)

   Cardinal and Politician.

   Richelieu was born into an aristocratic family in Paris, France. He was consecrated Bishop of Luçon in 1607 and he was appointed Secretary of State to the young King Louis XIII in 1616. For a time he was out of favour, but he was recalled in 1619 and became a Cardinal in 1622. He was made President of the Council of Ministers in 1625 and Chief Minister in 1629. From then until his death he was, in effect, the ruler of France. In the history of the Church, he is remembered for his support of Gallicanism, his defeat of the Huguenots, his rejection of Jansenism and his alliance with the Protestant princes which largely ensured the destruction of Hapsburg influence in Europe. As a result of his efforts, France emerged as the leading power. Despite his ruthlessness and opportunism, he was genuinely religious and he is remembered for his Défense des Principaux Points de la Foi Catholique and his important catechism, Instruction du Chrétien.

   J. Bergin, Cardinal Richelieu: Power and the Pursuit of Wealth (1985);

   R.J. Knecht, Richelieu (1991);

   G.R.R. Treasure, Cardinal Richelieu and the Development of Nationalism (1972).