Jules Mazarin, born Giulio Raimondo Mazzarino on 14 July 1602 in Pescina, Italy, became a prominent Italian Catholic prelate, diplomat, and politician. He served as the chief minister to the French Kings Louis XIII and Louis XIV from 1642 until his death on 9 March 1661. Mazarin was made a cardinal in 1641. His early career included serving as a papal diplomat for Pope Urban VIII before he moved to Paris in 1640 to offer his services to Cardinal Richelieu. Following Richelieu's death in 1642, Mazarin succeeded him as the first minister to Louis XIII and later to the young Louis XIV after the latter ascended the throne in 1643.During his initial years in office, Mazarin oversaw military successes in the Thirty Years' War, which solidified France's position as a leading European power and culminated in the Peace of Westphalia between 1646 and 1648. However, his tenure was also marked by the Fronde, a series of civil uprisings against the government, which began in 1648. The Fronde was led by nobles and discontented citizens, including the Parlement of Paris, and resulted in Mazarin temporarily fleeing Paris. He returned triumphantly in 1653 after military victories, including those led by General Turenne against the Frondeurs.In the latter part of his life, from 1657 until his death, Mazarin achieved significant diplomatic victories. He formed a military alliance with England in 1657 and established the League of the Rhine in 1658. The Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed on 7 November 1659, which added new territories to France and arranged the marriage of Louis XIV to Maria Theresa of Spain, effectively ending the long-standing conflicts with the Habsburgs. Mazarin's diplomatic efforts contributed to the establishment of principles that would influence European foreign policy, including the sovereignty of nation-states.Born into a family of modest means, Mazarin was educated at the Jesuit College in Rome and later studied law. He began his career in the papal service, where he developed his diplomatic skills. His rise to power was facilitated by his close relationship with Richelieu, who recognized his talents. After Richelieu's death, Mazarin navigated the complexities of court politics, securing his position as chief minister under Anne of Austria, the regent for Louis XIV.Throughout his career, Mazarin was a significant patron of the arts, introducing Italian opera to France and amassing a vast art collection, much of which is now housed in the Louvre. He also founded the Bibliothèque Mazarine, the first public library in France. His personal wealth at the time of his death was substantial, amounting to 35 million livres, derived from various sources, including abbeys and strategic land purchases.In his final months, Mazarin resided primarily in the Louvre, where he experienced a decline in health. He passed away shortly after preparing his will, which included provisions for the establishment of the Collège des Quatre-Nations. His remains were interred there, marking the end of a significant era in French history characterized by his influence on governance, diplomacy, and culture.

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Cardinal Mazarin