François de Harlay de Champvallon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Grace François de Harlay de Champvallon |
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| Archbishop of Paris, Duke of Saint-Cloud, Peer of France |
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Paris |
| See | Notre-Dame de Paris |
| Enthroned | 23 February 1671 |
| Reign ended | 6 August 1695 |
| Predecessor | Hardouin de Péréfixe de Beaumont |
| Successor | Louis-Antoine de Noailles |
| Other posts | Archbishop of Rouen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 August 1625 Paris, France |
| Died | 6 August 1695 (aged 69) Paris, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | College of Navarre, Paris |
| Coat of arms | .svg) |
François de Harlay de Champvallon (born August 14, 1625 – died August 6, 1695) was an important French church leader. He became the fifth Archbishop of Paris. An archbishop is a very high-ranking bishop in the Roman Catholic Church.
Contents
Life as a Church Leader
Early Life and Career
François de Harlay de Champvallon was born in Paris, France. His uncle, also named François de Harlay, was the archbishop of Rouen. Young François followed in his uncle's footsteps.
He studied at the Collège de Navarre and the University of Paris. After finishing his studies, he quickly became the head of the abbey of Jumièges.
At just 26 years old, he took over his uncle's role as Archbishop of Rouen. Later, in 1671, he became the Archbishop of Paris.
Becoming Duke of Saint-Cloud
In 1674, several areas around Paris, including Saint-Cloud, were made into a special territory. This territory became known as the Duchy of Saint-Cloud.
The title of Duke of Saint-Cloud would be held by future Archbishops of Paris. François de Harlay was the first to hold this important title. He was also a pair of France, which meant he was a high-ranking noble.
He was also a member of the Académie française, a famous French council for language and arts. The king even suggested him to become a cardinal, which is an even higher rank in the church.
His Role in French Politics
François de Harlay was a very skilled speaker and good at managing important matters. He was a strong supporter of Cardinal Mazarin, a powerful French statesman.
He gained the favor of King Louis XIV. He supported the idea that the French Catholic Church should have some independence from the Pope. This idea was called the Gallican Church.
King Louis XIV's Secret Marriage
It is believed that Harlay performed a private ceremony for King Louis XIV's marriage. The king married Madame de Maintenon in a secret ceremony.
Only a few people were present at this event. Madame de Maintenon did not like Harlay because he helped keep their marriage a secret.
Influence and Decline
Harlay used to meet with King Louis XIV every week. They discussed church matters in Paris. However, his influence with the king slowly decreased over time.
He spent more time at his Château de Conflans. His friends started to leave him as the king's favor faded.
The Revocation of the Edict of Nantes
Harlay strongly supported the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. This was a law that took away the rights of Huguenots (French Protestants). This happened in 1685.
As a result, many Huguenots left France. In Dieppe, a town where Harlay was in charge, about 3,000 Huguenot citizens fled. This was partly due to Harlay's strict actions.
His Passing
François de Harlay de Champvallon died suddenly on August 6, 1695.
