The Cardinal of Lorraine

Extract

The sub-title of this work is ‘A study in the Counter-Reformation,’ and this indicates its real importance. As Mr. Evennett remarks, the unfortunate name ‘Counter-Reformation’ invites a disastrous over-simplification’: it was not a mere reaction to the ‘Reformation’ —another misnomer—it was a most complex movement’ : it was ‘essentially a hybrid.’ The present volume deals with that curious and interesting group of moderate men—among whom the Cardinal of. Lorraine is the most significant figure —that became a vital centre in France during the period between the election of Pius IV, December, 1559, and ‘the moment when the Fathers at Trent turned their attention to serious considerations in April, 1562.’ The movement culminated and broke down in the Colloquy of Poissy, and petered out in the Conference of Saverne. It was a lost cause—at least in its eirenic projects—but while it lasted it was ‘one of the gravest crisis for Catholicism,’ and its effect can be felt in the attitude of the French hierarchy in the ensuing sessions of Trent.

The Cardinal of Lorraine, Charles de Guise, Archbishop of Rheims, was regarded by contemporary Protestants as a sinister and untrustworthy person, and later historians have, on the whole, endorsed their view. This attitude is probably in great part due to the permanent inability of the Nonconformist mind to appreciate any greatness that is rich and diverse and unconfined to one single fanatical aim. Mr. Evennett, completing the work of M. Romier, has succeeded in rehabilitating the Cardinal’s character.