Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas facts for kids
Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas was an important Spanish leader in the Catholic Church. He was a bishop and later became a cardinal. From 1608 until he died in 1618, he held a very powerful position as the Grand Inquisitor of Spain.
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Who Was Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas?
Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas was born in Aranda de Duero, Spain, on April 20, 1546. He was one of nine children in his family. His uncle, Cristóbal de Rojas y Sandoval, was also an important church leader who helped him begin his career in the church. Bernardo was also the uncle of Francisco Gómez de Sandoval, 1st Duke of Lerma, a powerful noble.
His Education and Early Career
Bernardo went to the University of Alcalá, where he studied and earned several degrees. He received his first degree in 1566 and a doctorate in arts in 1567. Later, he also studied at the University of Salamanca, where he earned a degree in theology in 1576.
After his studies, he became a canon at Seville Cathedral in 1574. His uncle, who was then the Archbishop of Seville, helped him further his church career.
Becoming a Bishop and Cardinal
In 1586, Philip II of Spain chose Bernardo to become the Bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo. He was officially made a bishop on April 20, 1586. He then moved to become the bishop of Pamplona in 1588 and later the Bishop of Jaén in 1596.
His importance grew, and on March 3, 1599, Pope Clement VIII made him a cardinal priest. Soon after, on April 19, 1599, he became the Archbishop of Toledo, which was a very high position in the Spanish church.
Grand Inquisitor of Spain
From 1608 until his death in 1618, Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas served as the Grand Inquisitor of Spain. This was a very powerful role within the Catholic Church in Spain, overseeing matters of faith and religious teaching.
Supporter of Writers
Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas was known for supporting many famous writers of his time. He was a patron to authors like Miguel de Cervantes (who wrote Don Quixote), Francisco de Quevedo, Lope de Vega, Luis de León, and Luis de Góngora. This shows he cared about arts and literature.
His Death
Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas died suddenly in Madrid on December 7, 1618. He was buried in the Cathedral of Toledo, where he had served as archbishop.
See also
In Spanish: Bernardo de Sandoval y Rojas para niños
