Cardinal Richelieu was born in 1585 and died in 1642. Richelieu dominated the history of France from 1624 to his death as Louis XIII’s chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu was born in 1585 and died in 1642. Cardinal Richelieu was born in 1585 and died in 1642. Richelieu dominated the history ofFrance from 1624 to his death as Louis XIII’s chief minister, succeeding Luynes who died in 1621. Richelieu is considered to be one of the greatest politicians in French history..