John of Burgundy (bishop of Cambrai)

John of Burgundy (1404 – 27 April 1479), also known as Jean de Bourgogne, was the illegitimate son of John the Fearless, through his mistress Agnes de Croy, daughter of Jean I de Croÿ and was appointed Archbishop of Trier, served as Bishop of Cambrai from 1439–1479, Provost of St. Donatian's Cathedral and St. Peter's Cathedral at Lille.[1] He was the great-grandson of King John II of France.[2][3][4]

John of Burgundy
Bishop of Cambrai
Personal details
Born1404
Dijon, France
Died27 April 1479
Mechelen, Belgium
BuriedBrussels, Belgium
DenominationChristianity
ParentsJohn the Fearless & Agnes de Croÿ

Church manipulation

Historians have noted that Bishop John was part of the manipulation of the church by the Dukes of Burgundy during this era, with his father being accused of nepotism and cronyism in having his relatives and supporters appointed to bishoprics, abbacies, and chapters to gain more control and influence over church.[5] His father appointed his own chancellor as the Bishop of Tournai, John as the Bishop of Cambrai, and John's father Philip had his son David appointed Bishop of Utrecht. Philip also appointed the church officials at Tournai, Arras, Cologne, Besançon, Autun, Mâcon and Auxerre.[5]

Papal appointment

In 1446, Pope Eugene IV was engaged in an internal church conflict over the validity of his papacy with Felix V. Recognized by the Kings of Castile, France, and England, Eugenius took steps to solidify his support within the church by ex-communicating and deposing supporters of Felix, including the Archbishops at Trier and Cologne. Eugenius appointed John to fill the vacant Archbishopric at Trier, however, the appointment was disputed.[6]

Illegitimate children

John fathered numerous illegitimate children; it is written that he celebrated mass once at Cambrai in the presence of his 36 illegitimate sons or grandsons.[4][7][8]

References
  1. (FR) Henri Pirenne, Histoire de Belgique, Vol. 3, (Maurice Lamertin, Libraire-Editeur, 1953), 335.
  2. "The Court of Burgundy", p. 252, Retrieved 6 oct 2009.
  3. "Chapter 5", The promised lands: the Low countries under Burgundian rule, p. 112, Retrieved 6 oct 2009.
  4. "John the Fearless", p. 236, Retrieved 6 oct 2009.
  5. "The Burgundian Netherlands", 1986, W. Prevenier, p. 242, 244
  6. "The Recognition of Pope Eugenius IV in the Empire", Pope Eugenius IV, the Council of Basel..., p. 277, Retrieved 6 oct 2009.
  7. "Joan of Arc", p. 56, Retrieved 6 oct 2009.
  8. "The Maid of Orleans", The History of France, Volume 2, p. 147, Retrieved 6 oct 2009.
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