Jean Richardot the Younger was the eldest son of Jean Richardot, a close collaborator of the governor-general Alexander Farnese and one of the principal ministers and diplomats of the Archdukes Albert and Isabella, and of Anne Courcol de Baillencourt.
Destined for an ecclesiastical career, his father secured him the appointment as prior of the Benedictine priory of Morteau at the age of 16.
In the course of his diplomatic mission, Richardot alerted Archduke Albert to the talents of Peter Paul Rubens and Wenceslas Cobergher.
Following the death of Cardinal Andrew of Austria in November 1600, Richardot obtained the Benedictine abbey of Lure.
He was consecrated in Rome on 30 April 1603 and made his solemn entry in Arras in February 1604.