François-Étienne Caulet

[2] After completing his studies at the Collège of La Flèche, Caulet worked for some time under Charles de Condren, Superior of the French Oratory.

Caulet had not sought episcopal honours, but once a bishop he showed great zeal in the reformation of the clergy, the annual visitation of the diocese, the holding of synods, and the founding of schools, one of which was devoted especially to the training of teachers.

The chapters of Foix and Pamiers, which he tried to reform, revolted openly, and had to be coerced into submission by Briefs of Pope Alexander VII and ordinances of Louis XIV.

[4][5] Two facts stand out prominently in Caulet's episcopal career, his attitude with regard to the formulary of Alexander VII[6] and his conduct in the affaire de la régale, i.e. the royal pretension to the revenues and the administration of vacant sees.

However, De la Chambre (Traité du formulaire), Bouix (De Papâ, II, 95), and Bertrand (Histoire littéraire, III, 19) are of the opinion that Caulet really meant an internal adhesion of the mind, albeit this adhesion may not have come up to the "ecclesiastical faith" as proposed by Fénelon, and later admitted commonly by theologians.