He was born in Tours in 1480, the son of Louis de Poncher and his wife, Robine le Gendre.
François Poncher became a canon of Notre Dame de Paris, taking the minor orders in May 1505.
In 1526, an investigation was launched into whether Poncher had illegally attempted to several benefices, including Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire.
France then entered into negotiations with the papal court to determine who was competent to judge Poncher.
Before a trial could be held, François Poncher died in custody on 1 September 1532.