François-Joachim de Pierre de Bernis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids François-Joachim de Pierre de Bernis |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop of Albi | |
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Albi |
| See | Cathedral Basilica of Saint Cecilia |
| Enthroned | 9 July 1764 |
| Reign ended | 3 November 1794 |
| Predecessor | Léopold-Charles de Choiseul-Stainville |
| Successor | François de Pierre de Bernis |
| Other posts | French Ambassador to Rome |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 May 1715 Saint-Marcel d'Ardèche, France |
| Died | 3 November 1794 (aged 79) Rome, Papal States |
| Nationality | French |
| Education | Lycée Louis-le-Grand |
François-Joachim de Pierre de Bernis (born May 22, 1715 – died November 3, 1794) was an important French cardinal and diplomat. He was known for his skills in talking with other countries. In 1744, he became a member of the Académie française, a famous French group that protects the French language.
Contents
Life Story
Early Life and Education
François-Joachim de Pierre de Bernis was born in Saint-Marcel d'Ardèche, France. His family was noble but didn't have much money. Because he was a younger son, he was expected to join the church.
He went to school at the Louis-le-Grand college and the seminary of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. He didn't become a priest until 1755, when he was 40 years old.
Becoming Known at Court
Bernis became famous for writing clever short poems called epigrams. He was popular in the social circles of King Louis XV of France's court. His poems helped him become friends with Madame de Pompadour, who was very close to the King.
She helped him get a nice apartment and a yearly payment. Even the famous writer Voltaire liked his poems. In 1744, Bernis was chosen to be a member of the Académie française. This showed how respected he was for his writing.
Diplomatic Missions
In 1752, Bernis was sent to Venice as a French ambassador. He did a great job helping to solve problems between Venice and Pope Benedict XIV. Everyone was happy with his work.
When he returned to France in 1755, he was made a special advisor to the Pope. This was a big honor.
Role in the Seven Years' War
Bernis played a key part in talks between France and Austria before the Seven Years' War. He thought that France and Austria should only be allies for a short time. He didn't want France to use all its power in a big war.
However, other leaders disagreed with him. In 1757, Bernis became the secretary for foreign affairs. But he tried to stop Madame de Pompadour and her friends from spending too much money. Because of this, King Louis XV sent him away to Soissons in 1758. He stayed there for six years. Before this, in November 1758, Pope Clement XIII made him a cardinal.
Later Years in Rome
After Madame de Pompadour died in 1764, Bernis was called back. He was offered his old job, but he said no. Instead, he became the archbishop of Albi. He didn't stay in this role for long.
In 1769, he went to Rome to help choose a new Pope. He was very good at this, and because of his skills, he was made the ambassador to Rome. He lived there for the rest of his life.
He helped in the decision to remove the Jesuits, a religious group. During the French Revolution, he held a special funeral in Rome for King Louis XVI of France, who had been executed. He gave up his job as archbishop rather than take an oath that went against his beliefs.
Bernis lost some of his influence later on. He became very poor, but the Spanish court helped him with money. He spent his last years helping French people who had fled to Rome because of the Revolution. He even let French princesses stay in his home. Because of his kindness, Pope Pius VI later called him the "Protector of the Church of France."
Bernis passed away in Rome on November 3, 1794. He was first buried in a church in Rome. Later, in 1803, his remains were moved to the cathedral in Nîmes, France.
See also
- Comte de Lyon
- Papal conclave, 1769
- Papal conclave, 1774-1775
