François Leclerc du Tremblay

François Leclerc du Tremblay Historical Figure Nationality: France Year of Birth: 1577 Year of Death: 1638 Religion: Catholicism Occupation: Capuchin friar, confidant and agent of Cardinal Richelieu Relatives: Jean Leclerc du Tremblay, Marie Motier de Lafayette Fictional Appearances: 1632 series POD: May, 1631 Appearance(s): 1632 1633 1636: The Cardinal Virtues" Ring of Fire IV Type of Appearance: Direct François Leclerc du Tremblay (4 November 1577 – 17 December 1638), also known as Père Joseph, was a French Capuchin friar, confidant and agent of Cardinal Richelieu. He was the original "éminence grise", or "grey eminence": a powerful advisor or decision-maker who operates secretly or unofficially. François Leclerc du Tremblay in 1632 François Leclerc du Tremblay, or commonly known as Father Joseph, was the leader of the harshly intolerant Catholic lay organization in France known as the Company of the Holy Sacrament. The Company were crucial to Cardinal Richelieu's efforts to strengthen France. Father Joseph viewed the Ring of Fire and the Americans as the result of witchcraft. Richelieu had claimed that he was influenced too much by Father Joseph to support his claim. Rebecca Abrabanel met Father Joseph before meeting Richelieu. She regarded the Capucin monk as a harsh fanatic. After the French Civil War, Joseph Tremblay was arrested by Gaston's regime. To conceal his identity, he was forced to wear an Iron Mask.