This week in Christian history: Virginia bishop dies, Cardinal Richelieu born

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, September 03, 2023

Cardinal Richelieu born – Sept. 9, 1585

Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642), also known as Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, a notable Catholic Church leader and French political official. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Cardinal Richelieu, an influential French political official and Catholic Church leader, was born in Paris to a lower-ranked noble family.

Richelieu became a bishop in 1607 and then a French secretary of state in 1616 before becoming a cardinal in 1622 and the chief minister of King Louis XIII in 1624.

“Richelieu devoted himself to securing French leadership in Europe and royal domination of the existing social order in France,” noted Encyclopedia.com.

“The policies and personal conduct of Richelieu were distinguished by self-restraint, flexibility in response to changing opportunities, and alertness to remote consequences. His long-range intentions could be achieved only at the expense of Spain abroad and of the king's family and the great noblemen at home.”