This week in Christian history: First baptisms in Philippines

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, April 14, 2024

Cardinal Richelieu consecrated bishop – April 17, 1607

This week marks the anniversary of when Cardinal Richelieu, a powerful political official in France and a Roman Catholic Church leader, was consecrated as a bishop.

Born in Paris to lower-ranked nobility, Richelieu would become a French secretary of state in 1616 and then a cardinal in 1622, and eventually rose to the title of the chief minister of King Louis XIII in 1624.

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“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.”