Who were the clergy in 18th century France?

In 18th century France, the clergy was a privileged social class that included all members of the Roman Catholic Church, from the highest-ranking bishops and archbishops to the humblest parish priests and monks. The clergy enjoyed a number of important privileges, including exemption from most forms of taxation and military service, and they also had a powerful voice in government and politics.

The clergy was divided into two main groups: the secular clergy and the regular clergy. The secular clergy were those who lived and worked in the world, such as parish priests and chaplains. The regular clergy were those who lived in religious communities, such as monks, nuns, and friars.

The clergy was a powerful and influential group in 18th century France, but they also faced a number of challenges. The Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that emphasized reason and science, led many people to question the authority of the Church. The French Revolution also had a devastating impact on the clergy, as many priests and bishops were killed or imprisoned.

Despite these challenges, the clergy remained an important part of French society until the end of the 18th century. They played a vital role in education, social welfare, and religious life. They also continued to be a significant political force, even after the Revolution.