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Giovan IV Arcimboldi

Giovanni Arcimboldi was an Italian cardinal and Archbishop of Milan who served as a senator and ambassador for Milan. He held significant ecclesiastical positions, including Bishop of Novara and Cardinal Priest, before assuming the metropolitan see of Milan. His career spanned diplomatic and religious service, reflecting a notable presence within the Roman Catholic Church during the 15th century.

Key Facts

  • Became Cardinal Archbishop of Milan in 1485.
  • Served as a senator of Milan and its ambassador to Rome.
  • Was appointed Bishop of Novara in 1468.
  • Elevated to Cardinal by Pope Sixtus IV in 1473.
  • Held the office of Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals.
  • Died in Rome on October 2, 1488.
Full Name
Giovanni Arcimboldi
Birth Date
1430
Death Date
1488-10-02
Term Start Date
1485-01-01
Term End Date
1488-10-02
Successor
Guido Antonio Arcimboldi
Notable Achievements

Senator of the Duchy of Milan, Ambassador To the Holy See, Bishop of Novara, Cardinal Priest, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals, Legate A Latere To Perugia and Other Regions

Birth Place
Parma
Death Place
Rome
Episcopal Ordination Date
1466-09-20
Papal Appointment Date
1485-01-01
Notable Status

About Giovan IV Arcimboldi

Overview of Giovanni Arcimboldi

Giovanni Arcimboldi (born 1430, Parma; died October 2, 1488, Rome) was a significant Italian figure within the Roman Catholic Church, achieving the rank of Cardinal and serving as the Cardinal Archbishop of Milan. His career was marked by a blend of ecclesiastical duties and diplomatic service, reflecting his prominence in the political and religious landscape of 15th-century Italy.

Life and Historical Context

Born into a notable family, Giovanni Arcimboldi received a strong education, earning a doctorate in both laws from the University of Pavia in 1458. He was initially married and had children before entering the ecclesiastical state after his wife's death. Through the influence of Francesco I Sforza, he gained admission to Milan's Collegio di Giureconsulti and subsequently became a Senator of the Duchy of Milan. He was dispatched to Rome as Milan's ambassador to the Holy See.

Ecclesiastical Career

Arcimboldi's religious journey began with minor orders in 1461, followed by his ordination as a subdeacon in 1466. Pope Paul II appointed him a protonotary apostolic. He was elected Bishop of Novara on November 20, 1468. In a significant elevation, Pope Sixtus IV made him a cardinal priest on May 7, 1473, granting him the titular church of Santi Nereo e Achilleo. He later held the prestigious office of Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura until his death. Arcimboldi also served multiple terms as the Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals, including a full term from 1483 to 1484. He participated in the papal conclave of 1484 that elected Pope Innocent VIII.

Archbishop of Milan

On October 25, 1484, Giovanni Arcimboldi was transferred to the metropolitan see of Milan, officially taking possession on January 1, 1485. He served as Archbishop of Milan until his death on October 2, 1488. His tenure as archbishop followed a distinguished career in diplomacy and church administration, underscoring his importance in the archdiocese during a period of transition.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Giovanni Arcimboldi become Archbishop of Milan?

Giovanni Arcimboldi was transferred to the metropolitan see of Milan on October 25, 1484, and took formal possession of the archdiocese on January 1, 1485.

What other significant roles did Giovanni Arcimboldi hold?

Before becoming Archbishop of Milan, Giovanni Arcimboldi served as Bishop of Novara, a senator of Milan, and Milan's ambassador to Rome. He was also created a cardinal by Pope Sixtus IV in 1473.

What was Giovanni Arcimboldi's connection to the Papacy?

Giovanni Arcimboldi served as an ambassador to the Holy See and was made a cardinal by Pope Sixtus IV. He also held positions such as Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura and served multiple times as Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

When and where did Giovanni Arcimboldi die?

Giovanni Arcimboldi died in Rome on October 2, 1488. He was buried in the Basilica di Sant'Agostino.