Catholic League (French)

Catholic League
Ligue catholique
Dates of operation
  • 1576 (1576)–1577 (1577)
  • 1584 (1584)–1595 (1595)
Allegiance
MotivesEdict of Beaulieu
HeadquartersParis and Péronne
Ideology
SizeUnknown
Allies
Opponents
Battles and wars

The Catholic League of France (French: Ligue catholique), sometimes referred to by contemporary (and modern) Catholics as the Holy League (La Sainte Ligue), was a major participant in the French Wars of Religion. The League, founded and led by Henry I, Duke of Guise, intended the eradication of Protestantism from Catholic France, as well as the replacement of the French King Henry III, who had acquiesced to Protestant worship in the Edict of Beaulieu (1576). The League also fought against Henry of Navarre, the Protestant prince who became presumptive heir to the French throne in 1584.

Pope Sixtus V, Philip II of Spain, and the Jesuits were all supporters of this Catholic party.


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