St. Bartholomew's Day massacre
Paris, France
What happened
In August 1572, many Protestant leaders came to Paris for the wedding of the king's sister, Margaret, to the Protestant Henry of Navarre, a marriage meant to bring peace between Catholics and Protestants. Days later, after an attack on Admiral Coligny, the royal court decided to have the Protestant leaders killed. Beginning on the night of 23 to 24 August, the killing spread through Paris and then to other French cities, and thousands of Protestants died.
Why it matters
The massacre was a turning point in France's Wars of Religion, as the Protestant movement lost many of its leaders and many members changed religion or fled. Across Europe it deepened distrust between Catholics and Protestants for generations.
What came next
A new war between Catholics and Protestants broke out before the end of 1572. Henry of Navarre survived by promising to become Catholic and later escaped Paris; he went on to become King Henry IV of France.
Did you know?
In 1997, Pope John Paul II spoke about the massacre during a visit to Paris and called for forgiveness and reconciliation between Christians.
Timeline
- 8 August 1570The Peace of Saint-Germain ends three years of civil war between Catholics and Protestants.
- 18 August 1572Margaret of Valois, the king's sister, marries the Protestant Henry of Navarre in Paris.
- 22 August 1572Admiral Coligny, the Protestant leader, survives an attack and is badly wounded.
- Night of 23–24 August 1572The massacre begins in Paris, on the eve of the Feast of Saint Bartholomew.
- August to October 1572Similar killings spread to twelve other French cities.