The politics of reform: Marguerite of Navarre, 1521-1535

Abstract

Although attempts to reform the French Catholic Church are traditionally dated in the latter half of the sixteenth century, significant contributions to the reform of the Church were ma.de as early as 1521. In fact, the background of the French reform enacted by Henry IV was started in the period spanning 1521-1535. The central figure in the era was Marguerite of Navarre, sister of Francis I, King of France, 1515-47. Marguerite benefited from the spiritual thought of the Northern humanists and fervently embraced ideas in favor of enacting a reform of the French Church. The proximity of her relationship with Francis until 1530 almost sanctioned a reform. Francis, however, was controlled by forces other than his sister. The Sorbonne, regarded as the seat of orthodox Catholicism, and Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, intimidated Francis into a position of abandoning Marguerite's reforming tendency to preserve his authority and thereby quashing any thought of reforming the Church. Marguerite's writings express her commitment to the reform. The Dialogue or Night Vision and the Mirror or the Sinful Soul are dedicated statements illustrating her profession of faith and their use in this study constitutes an effort heretofore unknown by English writers. Through the use or her writings and actions, this study proposes to examine the French Reformation through Marguerite or Navarre from 1521-1535. The extent of her participation and agreement with the reform can be seen both in her writings and in her dealings with Francis, Charles V, and the Sorbonne.