Alfonso Litta
Alfonso Litta was an Italian nobleman, Cardinal, and Archbishop of Milan from 1652 to 1679. He was known for his administrative roles in the Papal States and his efforts to reform the Archdiocese of Milan, including convening synods and making pastoral visits. Despite facing opposition and making enemies, he was eventually elevated to the rank of Cardinal.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Milan on September 19, 1608.
- ›Served as governor of various Papal States including Orvieto, Spoleto, and Camerino.
- ›Appointed Archbishop of Milan on June 17, 1652.
- ›Convened two diocesan synods and made pastoral visits as Archbishop.
- ›Appointed Cardinal Priest of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme on February 15, 1666.
- ›Died in Rome on August 28, 1679.
- Appointed Referendary of the Tribunals of the Apostolic Signature.
- Served As Governor of Orvieto, Spoleto, Camerino, and Ascoli.
- Served As Vice-Legate of Bologna, Ferrara and Romagna.
- Organized A Militia of 900 Armed Clerics During the 1655 Invasion of the Duchy of Milan.
- Convened Two Diocesan Synods and Made Pastoral Visits.
- Edited Editions of the Missal and Breviary In 1679.
- Restored the Crypt of the Cathedral of Milan.
About Alfonso Litta
Alfonso Litta (1608-1679)
Alfonso Michele Litta was an Italian nobleman who served as Cardinal and Archbishop of Milan from 1652 until his death in 1679. His early life saw him educated in canon law at the University of Salamanca and earn a doctorate in utroque iure from the University of Bologna. He entered the clerical state in 1628 and subsequently held several administrative positions within the Papal States, including governorships of Orvieto, Spoleto, Camerino, and Ascoli, showcasing his administrative capabilities.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Milan in 1608, Litta's early life was influenced by his family's nobility and his mother's subsequent marriage to Antonio Ferrer, the great-chancellor of the Duchy of Milan. He accompanied Ferrer to Spain, where he continued his studies. His career in the ecclesiastical administration saw him appointed as a referendary of the Tribunals of the Apostolic Signature and serving in various governorships across the Papal States. His service as governor of the Campagne and Maritime Province during the revolt of Masaniello saw him side with the Spanish government, earning their esteem but creating enemies in Rome.
Archbishop of Milan
On June 17, 1652, Alfonso Litta was appointed Archbishop of Milan. He was consecrated bishop on June 24, 1652, and made his entrance into Milan on November 17, 1652. As archbishop, he followed the example of Saint Charles Borromeo by convening two diocesan synods in 1659 and 1669 and conducting pastoral visits. He was a staunch defender of the Ambrosian rite, editing editions of the Missal and Breviary, and also undertook the restoration of the crypt of the Milan Cathedral. During the 1655 invasion of the Duchy of Milan, Litta organized a militia of 900 clerics. Despite his firm nature and numerous accomplishments, his elevation to Cardinal was delayed due to opposition. He was eventually appointed Cardinal Priest of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in 1666.
Later Life and Death
In 1675, Litta moved to Rome to participate in the jubilee. Due to health issues and conflicts with the Spanish government, he was advised to resign from his archbishopric but did not formally do so, although he was unable to return to Milan. He died in Rome on August 28, 1679. His remains were initially buried in Rome and later transferred to the Cathedral of Milan.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Alfonso Litta born and where?
Alfonso Litta was born in Milan on September 19, 1608. He was the second child of Marquess Pompeo of the House of Litta.
What significant administrative roles did Alfonso Litta hold before becoming Archbishop?
Before his appointment as Archbishop, Alfonso Litta served in various administrative capacities within the Papal States. He was a referendary of the Apostolic Signature and held governorships in Orvieto, Spoleto, Camerino, and Ascoli, as well as serving as Vice-legate of Bologna, Ferrara, and Romagna.
What were some of Alfonso Litta's key actions as Archbishop of Milan?
As Archbishop of Milan, Alfonso Litta convened two diocesan synods in 1659 and 1669, and undertook pastoral visits to distant areas. He was also a guardian of the Ambrosian rite, edited editions of the Missal and Breviary, and restored the crypt of the Cathedral of Milan.
When was Alfonso Litta appointed a Cardinal?
Alfonso Litta was appointed Cardinal in pectore on June 14, 1664, and formally appointed Cardinal Priest of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme on February 15, 1666.
Where did Alfonso Litta die and where is he buried?
Alfonso Litta died in Rome on August 28, 1679. His remains were initially buried in the Roman church of San Carlo al Corso and later transferred to the north nave of the Cathedral of Milan.
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