 Charles made a rapid career in the Roman Catholic hierarchy.He was bishop of Nevers (1540–1545), bishop of Saintes (1545–1550, elevated to cardinal in 1548), archbishop of Rouen (1550–1590), bishop of Nantes (1550–1554), Papal legate in Avignon (1565–1590) and bishop of Beauvais (1569–1575).Following the massacre at Wassy and with tensions rising between Guise and Conde forces in Paris, Catherine de' Medici appointed him governor of Paris.