Louis Antoine de Noailles
Louis Antoine de Noailles was a French bishop and cardinal who served as the Archbishop of Paris. He is notable for his complex stance on Jansenism and his eventual signing of the Unigenitus bull, which helped to conclude the formal Jansenist controversy. Noailles was also recognized for his piety and charitable acts, including selling his silver to feed famine victims.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Paris from 1695 to 1729.
- ›Appointed as a cardinal in 1700 by Pope Innocent XII.
- ›Raised funds for famine victims by selling his silver tableware in 1709.
- ›Opposed the Unigenitus bull until 1728, then reversed his position.
- ›Was a friend and former fellow student of François Fénelon.
- ›Became a member of Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf's Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed.
- Signing of the Unigenitus Bull In 1728, Ending the Formal Jansenist Controversy.
- Raised Money For Famine Victims By Selling Silver Tableware.
- Spent A Considerable Part of His Inheritance On Redecorating Notre Dame.
About Louis Antoine de Noailles
Louis Antoine de Noailles, Cardinal de Noailles
Louis Antoine de Noailles (1651–1729) was a prominent French bishop and cardinal who served as the Archbishop of Paris from 1695 until his death. Born into a noble family, he received his doctorate in theology from the Sorbonne and held several episcopal positions before his appointment to the prestigious archdiocese of Paris.
Life and Historical Context
Noailles was the second son of Anne de Noailles, 1st Duke of Noailles. His career saw him appointed Bishop of Cahors and later Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne before King Louis XIV elevated him to Archbishop of Paris in 1695. Pope Innocent XII made him a cardinal in 1700.
Major Contributions and Stance on Jansenism
Noailles is most remembered for his complex and evolving relationship with the Jansenists and the Unigenitus bull. While he condemned Jansenist propositions, his own teachings were sometimes viewed with suspicion by more orthodox theologians, and he was an opponent of the Jesuits' attacks on the sect. His most significant act was the signing of Pope Clement XI's 1713 bull Unigenitus in 1728, a move that effectively ended the formal Jansenist controversy. Despite his initial opposition to the bull, his late endorsement marked a pivotal moment in ecclesiastical history.
Personal Qualities and Relationships
Described as possessing piety, zeal, and activity, Noailles was also known for his charitable endeavors. In 1709, he raised funds for famine victims by selling his silver tableware and invested significantly in the redecoration of Notre Dame. He maintained a friendship with François Fénelon, with whom he had studied. Later in life, he developed a spiritual connection with the Lutheran Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, joining his Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed and serving as godfather to Zinzendorf's son.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Louis Antoine de Noailles live?
Louis Antoine de Noailles lived from May 27, 1651, to May 4, 1729. He was a significant figure in the French Catholic Church during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
What was Louis Antoine de Noailles' role in the Jansenist controversy?
Louis Antoine de Noailles initially opposed the Unigenitus bull, a papal bull that condemned Jansenist propositions. However, he reversed his position and signed the bull in 1728, which is considered to have ended the formal Jansenist controversy.
What were some of Louis Antoine de Noailles' notable actions as Archbishop of Paris?
As Archbishop of Paris, Noailles was known for his piety and charitable actions. He famously sold his silver tableware in 1709 to raise money for famine victims and dedicated a significant portion of his inheritance to redecorating Notre Dame.
Was Louis Antoine de Noailles a friend of François Fénelon?
Yes, Louis Antoine de Noailles was a friend of François Fénelon. They had studied together at the Collège du Plessis before entering the Sorbonne. Despite their friendship, Noailles was among the bishops who condemned Fénelon's 'Maximes des Saints'.
Did Louis Antoine de Noailles have any connections outside of the Catholic Church?
Yes, Louis Antoine de Noailles formed a spiritual connection with the Lutheran Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf. He became a member of Zinzendorf's secret society, the Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed, and served as godfather to Zinzendorf's son.
Related Archbishops
Jean François Paul de Gondi
Jean François Paul de Gondi, Cardinal de Retz, was a prominent French churchman, writer, and agitator instrumental in the Fronde. He served as Archbishop of Paris, wielding significant political influence despite his family's insistence on a clerical career for him. His memoirs offer vivid portraits and historical insights into 17th-century France.
Jean François Paul de Gondi (Cardinal de Retz)
Jean François Paul de Gondi, Cardinal de Retz, was a significant French churchman, writer, and agitator during the Fronde. He served as the Archbishop of Paris, wielding considerable political influence derived from his connection with the populace, which he used to oppose Cardinal Mazarin, contributing to the outbreak of the Fronde. Despite his tumultuous political career, he is also recognized for his influential "Memoirs."
Charles-Gaspard-Guillaume de Vintimille du Luc
Charles-Gaspard-Guillaume de Vintimille du Luc was a French Catholic bishop who served as Bishop of Marseille, Archbishop of Aix, and finally Archbishop of Paris. He was born in 1655 and died in 1746, holding the Parisian archdiocese in his final years.