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Henry IV, king of Navarre, a small kindom bordering France, was offered the opportunity of becoming King of France. For this he however had to renounce his Protestant beliefs and become a Catholic.

With such a grand prize in view, Henry remarked: "Paris is well worth a Mass".

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What does the phrase Paris is worth the mass mean?

It means it's worth doing something you don't agree with, if as a result you get some excellent outcome. In this case it was supposedly said by French king Henri the Fourth. He was a Protestant Christian but reluctantly joined the Catholic Church in order to win the acceptance of his French subjects. That is to get Paris, the French capital, it was worth saying Mass, the Catholic church service. There is no evidence he ever said this.


What deal earned Henry of navarre the french throne in the middle ages in Europe?

'Paris', he said, 'is worth a Mass.' He ended the Wars of Religion by turning Catholic in exchange for entry to Paris and the throne he had inherited.


What religion were French Kings?

The kings of France were all Catholic with one exception and even he converted. This King was King Henry IV--first Bourbon king of France(and grandfather of Louis XIV). He was a Protestant and was the king of Navarre, a smaller French kingdom. He married the sister of the French king(Queen Margot)and he was their first cousin. Despite Margot having many brothers, they died one by one and the throne was Henry's. Many of the towns in France refused to be ruled by a Protestant so he had to fight and claim several of them. The last holdout was Paris--the capital. Paris did not fall even after a prolonged siege. When asked if he would convert to gain the capital, Henry is said to have replied that, "Paris is worth a mass" and converted to Catholicism and was crowned as King of France and Navarre.


What does this statement means Paris is well worth a mass?

The phrase "Paris is well worth a mass" suggests that the city of Paris is so valuable or significant that it justifies making sacrifices or compromises, even of a substantial nature. It is often attributed to King Henry IV of France, who converted to Catholicism to gain acceptance in Paris, highlighting the idea that the benefits of being in Paris outweighed the personal cost of changing his religious beliefs. Essentially, it implies that certain experiences or places are so enriching that they merit considerable effort or change.


What did King Henry IV convert?

King Henry IV of France converted from Protestantism to Catholicism in 1593. His conversion was a significant political move aimed at uniting a divided France following years of religious conflict during the Wars of Religion. He famously declared, "Paris is worth a Mass," emphasizing his willingness to embrace Catholicism for the sake of stability and governance. This conversion helped him secure the French throne and promote religious tolerance with the Edict of Nantes in 1598.


Who owns vivendi?

Vivendi SA is a French mass media and telecommunication company in Paris. It was originally created in 1853 by decree of Napoleon III.


Did Henry IV become Protestant so that he could become the King of France?

Yes, Henry IV converted to Protestantism, specifically to Calvinism, as part of his political strategy to claim the French throne. Initially a Protestant leader, he later converted to Catholicism in 1593, famously stating, "Paris is worth a mass," to secure the loyalty of Catholic subjects and unify France. His conversion helped end the Wars of Religion and solidified his reign as a king who could bridge the divide between Protestants and Catholics.


What impact did king Henry have on the religious wars in France?

King Henry IV of France played a crucial role in ending the religious wars between Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants) through his Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious tolerance and civil rights to the Huguenots. His conversion to Catholicism helped to unify the country and mitigate the conflict, as he famously stated, "Paris is worth a Mass." Henry's leadership and policies fostered a period of relative peace and stability, allowing France to recover from decades of civil strife. Ultimately, his efforts laid the groundwork for a more centralized and tolerant French state.


Who do you say mass in french?

"Mass" in French is "messe".


How did politics shape the religious positions of the French leaders?

Politics significantly influenced the religious positions of French leaders, particularly during the periods of the Wars of Religion and the Reformation. Leaders often aligned their policies with either Catholic or Protestant factions to consolidate power and maintain stability. For instance, King Henry IV's conversion to Catholicism was a strategic move to unify a divided nation and secure his throne, famously stating, "Paris is worth a Mass." Additionally, the state's control over religious institutions allowed leaders to leverage religion for political legitimacy and social cohesion.


Was a protestant prince who became a catholic king became the first king of the bourbon dynasty?

Yes, Henry IV of France was a Protestant prince who converted to Catholicism and became the first king of the Bourbon dynasty. His conversion was famously summarized by his statement, "Paris is worth a Mass," as he sought to unify France and bring peace after years of religious conflict during the Wars of Religion. His reign marked the beginning of the Bourbon dynasty, which ruled France for over a century.


Why did Henry of Navarre convert to Catholicism?

Henry of Navarre converted to Catholicism primarily to secure his claim to the French throne during a time of religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants. His conversion was also a strategic move to unify a divided France and gain the support of the Catholic majority. By embracing Catholicism, he aimed to bring peace and stability to the nation, famously stating, "Paris is worth a Mass." Ultimately, his conversion helped facilitate his acceptance as King Henry IV of France.