Étienne Le Camus

Through the influence of his father, Nicolas le Camus, a state councillor, he was when still very young attached to the court as almoner of the king, and enjoyed the friendship of Bossuet.

Recalled through the influence of Colbert, he retired in 1665 to La Trappe Abbey with de Rancé, and passed from his former levity to an asceticism that led him to Port-Royal.

[1] The publication of his letters by Ingold shows that Jansenism was with Le Camus more a matter of personal sympathy and spiritual discipline than of doctrinal tenets.

In the affair of the régale he acted as intermediary between Rome and Versailles, and showed creditable courage before the omnipotent Louis XIV.

[1] Pope Innocent XI having made him cardinal instead of Harlay, presented by the king, he was not allowed till 1689 to go to Rome to receive the insignia of his dignity.