This week in Christian history: Rich Mullins dies in traffic accident, St. Francis of Assisi stigmata, King Henry IV absolved
Pope absolves King Henry IV of France – Sept. 17, 1595
This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Clement VIII gave absolution to King Henry IV of France from excommunication, allowing him to reign despite his Protestant background.
During the 16th century, France had experienced multiple civil wars between its Catholic majority and growing Protestant minority, with the issues interfering with royal succession.
Two years earlier, in 1593, Henry IV had converted to Roman Catholicism, reportedly in part to secure support for his claim to the French throne, which he ascended to in 1594.
During his reign, Henry IV issued the Edict of Nantes, which granted a level of tolerance to French Protestants, also known as Huguenots, and amnesty to both Catholics and Protestants for any crimes committed during the civil wars.
