Girolamo Colonna facts for kids

Portrait of Girolamo Colonna

Girolamo Colonna (born March 23, 1604 – died September 4, 1666) was an important Italian Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He was a member of the famous and powerful Colonna family.

Who Was Girolamo Colonna?

Girolamo Colonna was born in a town called Orsogna in Italy. His family, the Colonna family, was very noble and connected to many royal and important families in the 1600s.

His father was Filippo I Colonna, who was the Prince of Paliano. His mother was Lucrezia Tomacelli. Girolamo's sister, Anna Colonna, married Taddeo Barberini. Taddeo's uncles were powerful cardinals and even a Pope! This family connection was very important for Girolamo's career.

Becoming a Cardinal

Girolamo became a cardinal on August 30, 1627. He was made a cardinal by Pope Urban VIII. This Pope was the uncle of Girolamo's brother-in-law, Taddeo Barberini. Girolamo's sister, Anna, also played a part in him becoming a cardinal.

Working with Popes

After Pope Urban VIII passed away, Girolamo took part in the election of the next Pope in 1644. This meeting, called a conclave, chose Pope Innocent X.

Girolamo also helped open and close the special "Holy Door" at the Lateran Basilica in Rome during the Holy Year of 1650. He was in charge of this important ceremony. Later, he participated in another conclave in 1655, which elected Pope Alexander VII.

Ambassador to Spain

Pope Innocent X chose Girolamo Colonna to be the Ambassador for the Holy See (the Pope's government) in Spain. The King of Spain, Philip IV, even asked Girolamo to be an advisor on state and military matters.

While in Spain, Girolamo helped celebrate a royal wedding. He was part of the group that accompanied Infanta Margarita of Spain to Germany. She was King Philip IV's daughter and was marrying Emperor Leopold I.

An interesting fact is that Jules Mazarin, who later became a very powerful cardinal in France, traveled with Girolamo to Spain. Mazarin was only 17 years old at the time.

Later Life and Passing

King Philip IV of Spain died in 1665. Girolamo Colonna was there to help with the King's final religious rites. After the King's death, Girolamo returned to Italy.

He passed away on September 4, 1666, in a town called Finale Marina, near Genoa. Six years later, his remains were moved to Rome. He was buried in his family's chapel inside the Lateran Basilica.

See also

In Spanish: Girolamo Colonna para niños