Catholic League (French)

Catholic League
Ligue catholique
Flag of the League, ca. 1590
Dates of operation	1576 (1576)–1577 (1577) 1584 (1584)–1595 (1595)
Allegiance	Crown of France (de jure) Crown of Spain (de facto)
Motives	Edict of Beaulieu
Headquarters	Paris and Péronne
Ideology	Anti-Protestantism Counter-Reformation Defense of the Catholic Church in France Opposition to the Reformed Church of France
Size	Unknown
Allies	Spain  Papal States Jesuits
Opponents	Politiques Huguenots Malcontents
Battles and wars	Battle of Vimory Battle of Arques Day of the Barricades Battle of Ivry Siege of Paris Siege of Rouen Siege of Caudebec Battle of Craon Siege of Morlaix Battle of Fontaine-Française
Succeeded by Company of the Blessed Sacrament

The Catholic League of France (French: Ligue catholique), sometimes referred to by contemporary (and modern) Catholics as the Holy League (La Sainte Ligue), was a major participant in the French Wars of Religion. The League, founded and led by Henry I, Duke of Guise, intended the eradication of Protestantism from Catholic France, as well as the replacement of the French King Henry III, who had acquiesced to Protestant worship in the Edict of Beaulieu (1576). The League also fought against Henry of Navarre, the Protestant prince who became presumptive heir to the French throne in 1584.

Pope Sixtus V, Philip II of Spain, and the Jesuits were all supporters of this Catholic party.