he was a son of robert i of bar and his wife marie valois, (daughter of john ii of france). as the couple's fifth son, he was destined for a career in the church. he was bishop of poitiers from 1391 to 1395 (also being made a cardinal in 1391) before becoming bishop of langres (1397–1413), and then bishop of châlons-sur-marne (1413–30). at the same time, he acted as bishop-administrator of verdun (1419–23 and 1424–30).