ABSTRACT
If the Gondi family constitutes one of the great success stories of the sixteenth century, Pierre de Gondi (1533–1616), Bishop of Paris and cardinal, is one of its unsung heroes. Pierre laid the foundations for the family ecclesiastical empire which would culminate in the extraordinary power and influence in the seventeenth century of Jean-François Paul de Gondi, Cardinal of Retz. The Cardinal of Retz was inspired by the spirit and actions of his great uncle. 1 Pierre’s close family bonds, cultivation of strategic friendships and above all support for the monarchy were the keys to his success in France and abroad.
