The Edict of Nantes, issued in 1598 by Henry IV of France, established a principle of religious tolerance by granting significant rights and protections to the Huguenots, who were French Protestant reformers. This edict aimed to end the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in France by allowing Huguenots to practice their faith freely in certain areas while also recognizing Catholicism as the state's official religion. The Edict represented a significant early attempt at institutionalizing religious freedom in Europe. However, it was revoked in 1685, leading to increased persecution of Protestants and prompting many to flee France.