Francisco de Borja facts for kids
Francisco de Borja y Navarro de Alpicat (born 1441 – died November 4, 1511) was an important Spanish cardinal. He was one of ten "cardinal-nephews" chosen by Pope Alexander VI. This meant he was related to the Pope and given a special role.
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Who Was Francisco de Borja?
Francisco de Borja was born in 1441 in Xàtiva, a town in what is now Spain. His family, called Ça Borja, had lived in Valencia since 1239. When he was young, he became a canon (a type of priest) in the cathedral of Valencia.
Starting His Career in Rome
In 1492, his relative, Rodrigo Borja, became Pope Alexander VI. After this, Francisco moved to Rome. He quickly took on important roles. On September 20, 1493, he became the Pope's general treasurer, managing money for the Church.
In 1495, he was chosen to be the bishop of Teano. He held this position until 1508, when he gave it to his nephew, who had the same name.
Becoming a Cardinal
Pope Alexander VI made Francisco a cardinal on September 28, 1500. This was a very high position in the Catholic Church. He was given the title of S. Cecilia.
Over time, he also received other important Church roles. These included being an Abbot (head of a monastery) and leading the diocese of Terracina and the archdiocese of Cosenza.
Working for the Pope
In 1501, Francisco became a papal legate for an area called Campagna. This meant he was the Pope's special representative. He helped the Pope take back lands from a powerful family called the Colonna.
In 1502, he traveled with Lucrezia Borgia to Ferrara for her wedding. He also became a teacher for Alexander VI's youngest son, Gioffre Borgia.
Challenges and Later Years
From 1503 to 1504, Francisco was the Camerlengo. This role involved managing the finances of the College of Cardinals. He tried to collect money that was owed to them.
He took part in the elections for new Popes in September and October 1503. Later, in 1506, he received another cardinal title, Ss. Nereo ed Achilleo.
Francisco de Borja, along with other cardinals, disagreed with the new Pope, Pope Julius II. They even tried to call a special meeting in Pisa to challenge the Pope's power. Because of this, Pope Julius II removed Francisco from his cardinal role and formally separated him from the Church on October 24, 1511. This is called excommunication.
Sadly, Francisco de Borja passed away on November 4, 1511, in Reggio Emilia. He died before he could learn about his excommunication. He is buried in Reggio Emilia. Other cardinals who were excommunicated at the same time were later forgiven and had their roles given back by the next Pope, Pope Leo X.
Francisco in Pop Culture
Francisco de Borja appears in the 2010 video game Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. In the game, he is shown being defeated by the main character, Ezio Auditore Da Firenze, in 1503.
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In Spanish: Francisco de Borja (cardenal) para niños
