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 to Power: The Making of Controversy’s Son
From an early age, Maffeo Barberini seemed destined for greatness within the vast bureaucracy of the Roman Catholic Church. Born in 1568 to an aristocratic Florentine family, Barberini demonstrated a brilliant mind that caught the attention of influential mentors. He joined the Vatican diplomatic corps in his 20s, earning a reputation as an adept negotiator and rising swiftly through the hierarchy.
Cardinal Barberini’s talents aligned well with the Church’s needs during the politically chaotic decades following the Protestant Reformation. He undertook a number of delicate diplomatic missions across Europe on behalf of the papal nuncio and various popes. His diplomacy and discretion in these meetings with kings, nobles and Protestant reformers earned him the appreciation of Rome and, in 1623 upon the death of Pope Gregory XV, the keys to St. Peter’s throne itself at the conclave of cardinals.
Assuming the mantle of Pope Urban VIII, Barberini sought to extend papal prestige and reestablish the independence of the Papal States in Italy. The new pope continued the artistic patronage he had begun as a cardinal, most notably lavishing commissions upon the sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini to design massive architectural works. Urban spared no expense in realizing his grand ambitions, reportedly boasting that he would turn Rome’s churches into as many jewels.
But darker whispers also emerged regarding Urban’s intentions. To fund his building projects and political machinations, the pope began selling appointments, privileges and holy relics on an unprecedented scale. Princes who failed to acquiesce to his dynastic maneuvers faced the threat of military campaigns against them – campaigns funded by none other than their Catholic subjects, who Urban freely taxed over their bishops’ objections.
Arts Patron and Power Broker – The Two Faces of Urban’s Reign
Even as controversy swirled around Pope Urban VIII’s political and fiscal policies, his enthusiasm for advancing arts and sciences shone undimmed. The Barberini family had long been patrons of the arts, and Maffeo Barberini continued this tradition with fervor upon donning the papal tiara. Urban spare no expense in realizing his grand artistic ambitions for Rome.
The primary recipient of Urban’s artistic patronage was Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the preeminent sculptor and architect of 17th century Rome. Bernini designed massive architectural works like the glorious bronze Baldacchino at St. Peter’s Basilica, along with fountains and monuments adorning public squares across the city. Urban commissioned these projects not only to manifest Catholic glory, but also to provide employment and circulate money during a prolonged economic slump.
Beyond architecture and sculptures, Urban also directed patronage to painters like Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain. He sought out technological innovations of his day, financing the first light microscopes and telescopic studies of insects and moon craters. The Barberini family spearheaded research into agricultural innovations as well. Urban established the predecessor of the Vatican Observatory, demonstrating seemingly boundless curiosity about the natural world.
Yet even as Bernini’s statues rose, grumbling intensified over the worldly political machinations necessary to fund such extravagances. Urban strong-armed Catholic princes into allowing taxes on church properties for military campaigns against Protestants during the Thirty Years’ War. Those refusing to cooperate faced the threat of force, authorized by none other than the Supreme Pontiff himself.
Pope Urban VIII’s eventful and paradoxical reign left an enduring impact, both inspiring and alienating Catholics across 17th century Europe. While channeling immense wealth to transform Rome into a cultural capital, the unintended consequences of Urban’s methods sparked controversies threatening Church unity and legitimacy. Yet there is more nuance to Urban’s legacy than power politics alone. His genuine zeal for advancing arts and sciences bears acknowledging too. Centuries on, scholars continue working to reconcile these two faces of history: the devout aesthete who cherished Catholic heritage, and the cunning tactician who did what he deemed necessary to fulfill that vision.
References
Morrissey, M. (2011). Politics and the Paul’s Cross Sermons, 1558-1642. Oxford University Press.
Wisch, B. & Munshower S. (1990). All the Pope’s Men: The Papal Civil Service in the Renaissance. Stony Brook University.
Braun M. (2003). Barocke Inszenierung. Deutscher Kunstverlag.
Blanning, T. (2002). The Pursuit of Glory: The Five Revolutions That Made Modern Europe. Penguin Books.