Fitz-james, Francois, Duc De

Fitz-James, Francois, Duc de a French prelate and theologian, was born at Saint-Germain-en-Lave, June 9, 1709. He renounced his family dignities to enter the clerical life at the age of eighteen, and was appointed abbot of Saint Victor in 1727. He became bishop of Soissons in 1739, and afterwards succeeded cardinal of Auvergne, as first almoner of Louis XV. This prelate taught the rigid doctrines of Jansenism. He died at Soissons, July 19, 1764, and after his death his works were published under the title, OEuvres Posthumes (1769- 70, 3 volumes). See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.