Francis I (1494-1547) of France became king in 1515. He succeeded Louis XII, who was both his cousin and his father-in-law. Francis began his reign brilliantly with a great victory over Swiss forces in the Battle of Marignano in 1515. This victory allowed him to capture the city-state of Milan in northern Italy. It also enabled him to negotiate the Concordat of Bologna with Pope Leo X in 1516. The Concordat greatly strengthened the king’s influence over the Roman Catholic Church in France. The new doctrines of Protestantism entered France during Francis’ reign. After a period of hesitant and contradictory policies toward the Protestants, Francis turned to active persecution of them.
During his reign, Francis for years carried on a bitter struggle with Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who was also King Charles I of Spain (see Charles V). France lost Milan to Charles in 1522. In 1525, during an attempt to regain this city-state, Francis was captured and imprisoned. But Charles released him the following year. The last war between Francis and Charles ended inconclusively in 1544.
Francis enjoyed beautiful surroundings, took an interest in new art and literature, and spent money lavishly. Such activities gave him a reputation as a supporter of the Renaissance.
Francis was born on Sept. 12, 1494, in Cognac, France. He belonged to the Valois family of French kings. He died on March 31, 1547.
