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How did Jules Mazarin gain the support of Louis XIII?

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Jules, Cardinal Mazarin Jules, Cardinal Mazarin, detail of a portrait by Philippe de Champaigne; in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.

Jules Mazarin did not gain the support of Louis XIII through a direct personal relationship, but rather by aligning himself with the interests of the French crown and the powerful Cardinal de Richelieu.1

Mazarin first came to the attention of the French court while serving as a diplomat for the Holy See. After meeting Richelieu in 1630, Mazarin became fascinated by the minister and resolved to devote himself to him. During his time as an extraordinary nuncio (ambassador) to the French court starting in 1634, Mazarin worked closely at Richelieu’s side and became deeply devoted to the French nation.1

Even while based in Rome, Mazarin continued to influence French politics through his correspondence with Richelieu and by leading the French faction within the papal court. In recognition of these efforts, Louis XIII recommended Mazarin for a cardinalate in 1638, granted him ecclesiastical pensions, and facilitated his naturalization as a French citizen in 1639. Ultimately, these actions led to Mazarin’s move to Paris in 1640 to enter the service of France.1