Francesco Maidalchini (21 April 1631 – 13 June 1700) was an
Italian
Italian(s) may refer to:
* Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries
** Italians, an ethnic group or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom
** Italian language, a Romance language
*** Regional Ita ...
Cardinal
Cardinal or The Cardinal may refer to:
Animals
* Cardinal (bird) or Cardinalidae, a family of North and South American birds
**''Cardinalis'', genus of cardinal in the family Cardinalidae
**''Cardinalis cardinalis'', or northern cardinal, the ...
of the
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...
.
Early life
Maidalchini was born 12 April 1631 in
Viterbo
Viterbo (; Viterbese: ; lat-med, Viterbium) is a city and ''comune'' in the Lazio region of central Italy, the capital of the province of Viterbo.
It conquered and absorbed the neighboring town of Ferento (see Ferentium) in its early history. ...
, the son of Andrea Maidalchini and Pacifica Feliziani. His father was the brother of
Olimpia Maidalchini
Olimpia Maidalchini Pamphilj (26 May 1591 – 27 September 1657), (also spelled Pamphili and known as Olimpia Pamphili), was the sister-in-law of Pope Innocent X (Pamphili). She was perceived by her contemporaries as having influence regarding pap ...
; sister-in-law of
Pope Innocent X
Pope Innocent X ( la, Innocentius X; it, Innocenzo X; 6 May 1574 – 7 January 1655), born Giovanni Battista Pamphilj (or Pamphili), was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 15 September 1644 to his death in January ...
. Anti-Catholic publicist
Gregorio Leti
Gregorio Leti (29 May 1630 – 9 June 1701) was an Italian historian and satirist from Milan, who sometimes published under the pseudonym Abbe Gualdi, L'abbé Gualdi, or Gualdus known for his works about the Catholic Church, especially the papa ...
described Francesco Maidalchini as a person "with no experience in the things of the world, ignorant in letters and incapable of learning".
He was named commendatory abbot of St. Martin and St. Gaudentius of Rimini and San Pancrazio outside the walls of Rome. He also received the title of Canon of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Cardinal-nephew
In 1647, Maidalchini's first cousin,
Camillo Francesco Maria Pamphili
Camillo Francesco Maria Pamphili (21 February 1622 – 26 July 1666) was an Italian Catholic cardinal and nobleman of the Pamphili family. His name is often spelled with the final ''long i'' orthography; Pamphilj.
Early life
Pamphili was ...
, resigned his post as
Cardinal-Nephew
A cardinal-nephew ( la, cardinalis nepos; it, cardinale nipote; es, valido de su tío; pt, cardeal-sobrinho; french: prince de fortune)Signorotto and Visceglia, 2002, p. 114. Modern French scholarly literature uses the term "cardinal-neveu'". ...
to marry and Innocent X required a new Cardinal Nephew. Without any remaining male relative to turn to for an assistant, Innocent X was persuaded to appointed the seventeen-year-old Francesco, his sister-in-law's nephew. Upon being elevated to Cardinal, he was installed as
Cardinal-Deacon
A cardinal ( la, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae cardinalis, literally 'cardinal of the Holy Roman Church') is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church. Cardinals are created by the ruling pope and typically hold the title for life. Col ...
of
Sant'Adriano al Foro
Sant'Adriano al Foro was a church in Rome, formerly in the Curia Julia in the '' Forum Romanum'' and a cardinal-deaconry (a titular church for a Cardinal-deacon).
The church
The Church of Sant'Adriano al Foro (Italian for St. (H)Adrian at ...
. Many of the responsibilities of the Cardinal-nephew had been previously delegated to the Secretary of State, Cardinal
Giovanni Giacomo Panciroli
Giovanni Giacomo Panciroli (1587 – 3 September 1651) was an Italian Catholic Cardinal and Cardinal Secretary of State.
Life
Panciroli was born in 1587 in Rome and was educated there, receiving a doctorate '' utroque iure'' in 1605. He b ...
, with the military duties assigned to the husbands of the Pope's two nieces. It is possible that the pontiff meant simply to install a relative, however distant, in the Sacred College, without this implying an effective delegation of powers.
[Tabacchi, Stefano. "Maidalchini, Francesco", ''Dizionario Biografico'', vol.67, 2006, Treccani]
/ref> Without adequate political knowledge for the role, Francesco was assisted by Cardinals Panciroli and Domenico Cecchini, but he nonetheless remained in a substantially weak political position. The Pope's sisters and other members of the Pamphilj family begrudged his close association with the pontiff and shunned the "adopted" nephew.[
]Girolamo Gigli
Girolamo Gigli (or ''Gerolamo''; 14 October 1660 – 4 January 1722) was an Italian writer and playwright.
Biography
Born in Siena to the Nenci family, he was adopted by an uncle, from whom he took the surname, Gigli. He married young to Laurenzi ...
wrote that Francesco's paternal aunt, Olimpia required him to reside with her at the Palazzo Pamphili
:''See also Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
Palazzo Pamphilj, also spelled Palazzo Pamphili, is a palace facing onto the Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy. It was built between 1644 and 1650.
Since 1920, the palace has housed the Brazilian Embassy in Italy. In ...
in Piazza Navona rather than in the papal palaces, so as "not to lose her dominion", and to prevent his making independent decisions. However, it was immediately clear that the new Cardinal-nephew would not have enjoyed any real power. Innocent X continued to entrust the politically relevant affairs to Secretary of State Cardinal Panciroli. During his brief tenure as Cardinal-nephew, Cardinal Maidalchini was universally evaluated in a negative way by diplomatic observers, who saw in some of his misguided initiatives the hand of his aunt.[
In December 1649, Maidalchini obtained the privilege of opening the Holy Door at the ]Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major ( it, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, ; la, Basilica Sanctae Mariae Maioris), or church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is a Major papal basilica as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the larges ...
, despite not yet having been ordained a priest. The incident caused considerable confusion, compounded by a dispute with the canons of the basilica for possession of the walled medals in the holy door.
He proved so incompetent,[''Pope Alexander the Seventh and the College of Cardinals'' by ]John Bargrave
John Bargrave (1610 – 11 May 1680), was an English author and collector and a canon of Canterbury Cathedral.''Under the Sign: John Bargrave as Collector, Traveler, and Witness'' by Stephen Bann, Michigan, 1995
Early life
Bargrave was born in Ke ...
, edited by James Craigie Robertson
James Craigie Robertson (1813 – 9 July 1882) was a Scottish Anglican churchman, canon of Canterbury Cathedral, and author of a ''History of the Christian Church''.
Life
Robertson was born at Aberdeen, where his father was a merchant; his mother ...
(reprint; 2009) that in 1650, despite Olimpia Maidalchini's objections, Francesco was replaced by Camillo Astalli
Camillo Astalli (21 October 1616 – 21 December 1663) was an Italian Catholic Cardinal and Cardinal-Nephew of Pope Innocent X who served as Cardinal Priest of San Pietro in Montorio (1653–1662), Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardina ...
. Although a distant relative by marriage to Olimpia, Astalli had in fact been recommended by his mentor, the Secretary of State. Having blamed Olimpia for his disgrace, Francesco became her bitter enemy.
Later ecclesiastic career
In 1653 Maidalchini was appointed Cardinal-Deacon of San Pancrazio
The basilica of San Pancrazio ( en, St Pancras; la, S. Pancratii) is a Roman Catholic ancient basilica and titular church founded by Pope Symmachus in the 6th century in Rome, Italy. It stands in via S. Pancrazio, westward beyond the Porta S ...
. In 1654 he was appointed Cardinal-Deacon of the Church of Santa Maria in Portico and the following year, following the death of his "uncle", he participated in the papal conclave of 1655 which elected Pope Alexander VII
Pope Alexander VII ( it, Alessandro VII; 13 February 159922 May 1667), born Fabio Chigi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 April 1655 to his death in May 1667.
He began his career as a vice- papal legate, an ...
. His aunt Olimpia died in 1657.
After only 8 years with Maidalchini as Cardinal-Deacon, the church of Santa Maria was in ruins and without income. Its deaconry was suppressed by Pope Alexander VII and the building was pulled down. Maidalchini was transferred (in title at least) to the newer Santa Maria in Campitelli
Santa Maria in Campitelli or Santa Maria in Portico (''Santa Maria in Portico di Campitelli'') is a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the narrow Piazza di Campitelli in Sant'Angelo (rione of Rome), Rione Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy. The church ...
,[S. Miranda:](_blank)
Francesco Maidalchini built by Carlo Rainaldi
Carlo Rainaldi (4 May 1611 – 8 February 1691) was an Italian architect of the Baroque period.
Biography
Born in Rome, Rainaldi was one of the leading architects of 17th century Rome, known for a certain grandeur in his designs. He worked at f ...
between 1659 and 1667.
Contemporary John Bargrave
John Bargrave (1610 – 11 May 1680), was an English author and collector and a canon of Canterbury Cathedral.''Under the Sign: John Bargrave as Collector, Traveler, and Witness'' by Stephen Bann, Michigan, 1995
Early life
Bargrave was born in Ke ...
leaves little doubt that Maidalchini was not much respected either by the College of Cardinals
The College of Cardinals, or more formally the Sacred College of Cardinals, is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. its current membership is , of whom are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. Cardinals are appoi ...
or the general public of Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus (legendary)
, image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg
, map_caption ...
.[ Bargrave describes Maidalchini as, ''"being within an inch of an idiot"'' and recounts that the ladies of one ]congregation
A congregation is a large gathering of people, often for the purpose of worship.
Congregation may also refer to:
*Church (congregation), a Christian organization meeting in a particular place for worship
*Congregation (Roman Curia), an administra ...
could not help but laugh at the appearance of a teenager in cardinal's vestments
Vestments are liturgical garments and articles associated primarily with the Christian religion, especially by Eastern Churches, Catholics (of all rites), Anglicans, and Lutherans. Many other groups also make use of liturgical garments; this w ...
. Maidalchini's could not contain himself and broke into laughter in response. Bargrave also recalled his run-in with a gentleman who kindly pointed out that the book the cardinal was reading was, in fact, upside down (Bargrave suggests Maidalchini was nearly illiterate
Literacy in its broadest sense describes "particular ways of thinking about and doing reading and writing" with the purpose of understanding or expressing thoughts or ideas in written form in some specific context of use. In other words, hum ...
).
In 1666 Maidalchini was transferred to the deaconry of Santa Maria in Via Lata
Santa Maria in Via Lata is a church on the Via del Corso (the ancient Via Lata), in Rome, Italy. It stands diagonal from the church of San Marcello al Corso.
It is the Station days for Tuesday, the fifth week of lent.
History
The first Christi ...
, which was customarily assigned to the senior Cardinal-Deacon
A cardinal ( la, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae cardinalis, literally 'cardinal of the Holy Roman Church') is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church. Cardinals are created by the ruling pope and typically hold the title for life. Col ...
, although it was only in 1669 when he assumed this position in the Sacred College
The College of Cardinals, or more formally the Sacred College of Cardinals, is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. its current membership is , of whom are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. Cardinals are appoi ...
. He participated in the conclave of 1667 which elected Pope Clement IX
Pope Clement IX ( la, Clemens IX; it, Clemente IX; 28 January 1600 – 9 December 1669), born Giulio Rospigliosi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 20 June 1667 to his death in December 1669.
Biography
Ear ...
, the conclave of 1669-1670 which elected Pope Clement X
Pope Clement X ( la, Clemens X; it, Clemente X; 13 July 1590 – 22 July 1676), born Emilio Bonaventura Altieri, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 29 April 1670 to his death in July 1676. Elected pope at ag ...
, the conclave of 1676 which elected Pope Innocent XI
Pope Innocent XI ( la, Innocentius XI; it, Innocenzo XI; 16 May 1611 – 12 August 1689), born Benedetto Odescalchi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 21 September 1676 to his death on August 12, 1689.
Poli ...
and the conclave of 1689 which elected Pope Alexander VIII
Pope Alexander VIII ( it, Alessandro VIII; 22 April 1610 – 1 February 1691), born Pietro Vito Ottoboni, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 6 October 1689 to his death in February 1691. He is to date the las ...
.[Catholic Hierarchy:](_blank)
Francesco ''Cardinal'' Maidalchini As cardinal protodeacon
Protodeacon derives from the Greek ''proto-'' meaning 'first' and ''diakonos'', which is a standard ancient Greek word meaning "assistant", "servant", or "waiting-man". The word in English may refer to any of various clergy, depending upon the usag ...
, he announced the elections of the popes Clement X, Innocent XI and Alexander VIII and celebrated the rites of their coronations
A coronation is the act of placement or bestowal of a coronation crown, crown upon a monarch's head. The term also generally refers not only to the physical crowning but to the whole ceremony wherein the act of crowning occurs, along with the ...
.
Later that year he was ordained
Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized (usually by the denominational hierarchy composed of other clergy) to perform va ...
as a priest and was appointed Cardinal-Priest
A cardinal ( la, Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae cardinalis, literally 'cardinal of the Holy Roman Church') is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church. Cardinals are created by the ruling pope and typically hold the title for life. Col ...
of the Church of Santa Maria in Via
::''This Church is not to be confused with the Church of Santa Maria in Via Lata, a Deaconry.''
Santa Maria in Via is a basilica church in Rome. The church or a chapel existed in the 9th century, but was rebuilt following reports of a miracle. I ...
. In accordance with the bull ''Postquam verus'' of Sixtus V
Pope Sixtus V ( it, Sisto V; 13 December 1521 – 27 August 1590), born Felice Piergentile, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 24 April 1585 to his death in August 1590. As a youth, he joined the Franciscan order ...
(3 December 1586), he assumed the position of protopriest
The Protopriest of the College of Cardinals ( it, protopresbitero, and, rare, it, protoprete) in the College of Cardinals, is the first Cardinal-Priest in the order of precedence, hence directly after the Cardinal-bishops.
This title is always ...
of the College of Cardinals. He participated in the conclave of 1691 which elected Pope Innocent XII
Pope Innocent XII ( la, Innocentius XII; it, Innocenzo XII; 13 March 1615 – 27 September 1700), born Antonio Pignatelli, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 12 July 1691 to his death in September 1700.
He ...
and became Cardinal-Priest of the Church of Santa Prassede
The Basilica of Saint Praxedes ( la, Basilica Sanctae Praxedis, it, Basilica di Santa Prassede all’Esquillino), commonly known in Italian as Santa Prassede, is an early medieval titular church and minor basilica located near the papal basilic ...
later that same year.
Political attitude
In the political rivalry between France and Spain Maidalchini initially aligned himself with Spain. However, leaders of Spanish faction at Rome showed him so little respect that he eventually changed the side. In the papal conclave of 1655, he was still counted among the members of Spanish party, but subsequently became one of the most faithful adherents of the Kingdom of France in the College of Cardinals.[Ludwig von Pastor: ''History of the Popes.'' Vol. 31. London: 1940, p. 317-318 and 432; ''ibid'', vol. 32, p. 2 and 527.]
Death
Maidalchini died on 13 June 1700 at Nettuno
Nettuno is a town and ''comune'' of the Metropolitan City of Rome in the Lazio region of central Italy, south of Rome. A resort city and agricultural center on the Tyrrhenian Sea, it has a population of approximately 50,000.
Economy
It has a ...
. His funeral took place on 15 June 1700 in the church of Sant'Eustachio
Sant'Eustachio is a Roman Catholic titular church and minor basilica in Rome, named for the martyr Saint Eustace. It is located on Via di Sant'Eustachio in the rione Sant'Eustachio, a block west of the Pantheon and via della Rotonda, and a bl ...
in Rome, where he was buried.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maidalchini, Francesco
1631 births
1700 deaths
17th-century Italian cardinals
Protodeacons
Cardinal-nephews
People from Viterbo