 The Edict reaffirmed Roman Catholicism as the state religion of France, but granted the Protestants equality with Catholics under the throne and a degree of religious and political freedom within their domains.The Edict simultaneously protected Catholic interests by discouraging the founding of new Protestant churches in Catholic-controlled regions.With the proclamation of the Edict of Nantes, and the subsequent protection of Huguenot rights, pressures to leave France abated.