Francesco Barberini (seniore)

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For other people named Francesco Barberini, see Francesco Barberini.

Francesco Barberini seniore (September 23, 1597 - December 10, 1679) was an Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, a member of the powerful Barberini family.

[edit] Biography

He was born in Florence to Carlo Barberini and Costanza Magalotti.

He studied at the University of Pisa, graduating in canonic and civil law in 1623. On October 2 of the same year, his uncle Maffeo, newly elected pope as Urban VIII, named him as cardinal, state secretary and Papal Legate to Avignon. Francesco maintained the latter position until 1633.

From March to September 1625 he negotiated with Cardinal Richelieu about the dispute for Valtellina with Spain. From 1628 he effectively led the foreign diplomacy of the Papal States, showing a clear stance favoring France in the war of succession for Monferrato and during the Thirty Years' War.

During the Inquisition process against Galileo, he was one of the two members of the tribunal which refused to sign to condemn. In 1645 he became bishop of Sabina. Investigations by Innocent X (pope from 1644) against his behaviour in France, forced Barberini to flee there in 1646 with his brother Taddeo. Here they were housed by their brother Antonio, under the protection of Cardinal Mazarin. Two years later the new pope pardoned him, restituting the confiscated properties.

Returned in Rome, Barberini devoted himself mostly to the activity of patron of arts. He founded a rich library, and supported numerous European intellectuals and artists, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Gabriel Naudé, Gérard Vossius, and John Milton.

In 1666 he became Dean of the College of Cardinals, taking part to the conclaves of 1667, 1669-1670 and 1676. He died in Rome.

[edit] Bibliography

• Combaluzier, F. "Sacres épiscopaux à Rome de 1565 à 1662. Analyse intégrale du Ms. «Miscellanea XIII, 33» des Archives Vaticanes" Sacris Eruduri, XVIII (1967-1968), p.229.

[edit] External links

• Francesco Barberini seniore at The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church: a digital resource created and produced by Salvador Miranda
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