The son of a noble family, Jérôme Souchier was born in Auvergne in 1508.
[1] The order sent him to study at the Cistercian College in Paris, where he received doctorates in philosophy and theology.
[1] During that time, he issues a set of ecclesiastical ordinances (usually referred to as the Ordinationes) based on the principles of the Council of Trent.
Pope Pius V made him a cardinal priest in the consistory of 24 March 1568.
[1] He received the red hat and the titular church of San Matteo in Via Merulana on 24 January 1569.