Britannica Sources used in this answer

When did Richelieu become a cardinal?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Full-length portrait of Cardinal Richelieu by Philippe de Champaigne, showing him in red clerical robes holding a red book, standing beside a balustrade with a draped curtain behind. — Cardinal Richelieu As both statesman and churchman, Cardinal Richelieu was the acknowledged architect of France's greatness in the 17th century. In 1640, when this full-length portrait was painted (likely by Philippe de Champaigne), he was embroiled in a dispute with the pope and other religious controversies along with many other consequences of expanding French power across Europe. He would die two years later, facing conspiracies against his life and suffering ill health.

Armand-Jean du Plessis, Cardinal de Richelieu, became a cardinal in 1622.1