Urban VIII, Pope | Power and Patronage
Pope Urban VIII, born Maffeo Barberini (1568-1644), held the papacy during the politically tumultuous decades of the Thirty Years’ War. Seeking to raise the temporal power of the papacy, Urban pursued sometimes divisive political policies while also actively supporting advancement in the arts and sciences. His reign witnessed both towering achievements and sharp controversies. Ascent […]
Bellarmine Roberto Francesco Romolo, Saint Cardinal
Saint Cardinal Roberto Francesco Romolo Bellarmine (1542–1621), a preeminent Catholic Church luminary, is exalted for theological erudition and Counter-Reformation significance. This Italian native of Montepulciano ascended to cardinalship and sainthood, bequeathing enduring theological and ecclesiastical legacies. Early Life and Education Baptized by faith and erudition, Bellarmine’s formative years intimated later religious devotion. Despite noble lineage […]