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Jean La BalueFrench political and ecclesiastical leader, cardinal and diplomat
Country:
 France |
Content:
- Jean de La Balue: A Cardinal's Treachery
- Service to Louis XI
- Cardinalate and Treachery
- Imprisonment and Release
- Post-Imprisonment Life
- Later Years and Legacy
Jean de La Balue: A Cardinal's Treachery
Early Life and AscentJean de La Balue was born in 1421 in Verdún. Despite his obscure origins, he joined the clergy and became a protégé of Jean Juvénal des Ursins, Bishop of Poitiers. After his patron's death, La Balue defrauded his heirs and secured a position in the household of Jean de Beauvau, Bishop of Angers.
Service to Louis XI
Through Beauvau's connections, La Balue caught the attention of King Louis XI. Known for his cunning, La Balue gained the king's favor and became his notary and secretary. He played a crucial role in quelling the League of the Public Weal, which threatened Louis's rule.
Cardinalate and Treachery
In 1468, Louis XI secured La Balue's elevation to the rank of cardinal, despite the latter's scandalous personal life. However, the cardinal turned against his patron and began plotting with Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. He advised Louis to meet Charles in Péronne, where he was subsequently imprisoned.
Imprisonment and Release
La Balue was arrested in 1469 and confined to a cage in the Château de Loches. Despite his sentence of eternal imprisonment, he was released in 1480 at the behest of Pope Sixtus IV.
Post-Imprisonment Life
Return to France and Conflict with Louis XIUpon his release, La Balue returned to France as a papal legate. However, he failed to obtain royal permission or present his credentials to Parliament. Fearing Louis's wrath, he hastily fled France upon the Pope's death.
Later Years and Legacy
La Balue received ecclesiastical appointments in Italy and became protector of the Order of Malta. He died in Ancona in 1491. Historians have debated his intelligence, with some describing him as an ignorant man and others as well-educated.
