Google Preferred Sources
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Rich Mullins dies in traffic accident, St. Francis of Assisi stigmata, King Henry IV absolved

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Pope absolves King Henry IV of France – Sept. 17, 1595

King Henry IV (1553-1610), the ruler of France who issued the Edict of Nantes, which promised religious freedom to Protestants.
King Henry IV (1553-1610), the ruler of France who issued the Edict of Nantes, which promised religious freedom to Protestants. | Public Domain

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.

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular