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Why did Richelieu involve France in the War of the Mantuan Succession?

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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.

Cardinal Richelieu involved France in the War of the Mantuan Succession (1628–1631) primarily to ensure the security of France. His overarching foreign policy goal was to counter the hegemony of the Habsburgs in Europe, which he believed threatened French independence of action.12

By intervening in northern Italy, Richelieu sought to occupy key strategic points along France's frontiers that were situated near imperial and Spanish territories. This involvement was part of a broader effort to restore the political equilibrium that had been disturbed by Habsburg military successes. Ultimately, Richelieu's actions were driven by his commitment to raising the international prestige of the French monarchy and securing its borders against encirclement by rival powers.12