Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend
Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero
KOHS
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Portrait by Juan Carreño de Miranda
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| 94th Archbishop of Toledo, Primate of Spain | |
| In office 20 December 1677 – 14 September 1709 |
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| Preceded by | Pascual de Aragón |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Ibáñez de la Riva Herrera |
| Lieutenant General of the Kingdom of Sicily | |
| In office 1677–1678 |
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| Preceded by | Eleanor de Moura |
| Succeeded by | Vicente Gonzaga Doria |
| Lieutenant General of the Realm | |
| In office 1 November 1700 – 18 February 1701 |
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| Preceded by | Charles II of Spain (as King) |
| Succeeded by | Philip V of Spain (as King) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 January 1635 Palma del Río, Spain |
| Died | 14 September 1709 (aged 74) Toledo, Spain |
| Occupation | Prelate |
Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero y de Guzmán (born January 8, 1635, in Palma del Río – died September 14, 1709, in Toledo, Spain) was a very important Spanish church leader. He became a cardinal and the Archbishop of Toledo. This made him one of the most powerful people in the Catholic Church in Spain. He was also an uncle to Luis Antonio Tomás de Portocarrero y Moscoso, who became a Grandee of Spain.
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Life and Career
Luis Manuel was born into an important family. His father was the first Marquis of Almenara and the third Count of Palma del Rio. Luis Manuel started his church career early. He became a dean in Toledo and was made a cardinal on August 5, 1669.
Early Roles
Until 1677, he lived in Rome. There, he served as the cardinal protector for Spain. This meant he looked after the interests of the Spanish nation within the Catholic Church.
In 1677, he was given a big job: interim Viceroy of Sicily. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a region in the king's name. He also became a counsellor of state and the Archbishop of Toledo. He stopped being the Viceroy of Sicily in 1678.
On January 16, 1678, he was officially made a bishop. As the Archbishop of Toledo, he tried to protect the clergy (church officials) from paying certain taxes. These taxes were called "the millions." This action made it harder for the government to collect money.
Role in Royal Succession
Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero played a key part in a major political event in Europe. The Spanish king, Charles II of Spain, had no children. This meant there was a big question about who would inherit the Spanish throne. Many European powers were interested in this.
Fernández de Portocarrero decided to support the French side. This group wanted the Spanish crown to go to a member of the French royal family, the Bourbons, led by Louis XIV of France. They did not want it to go to a member of the king's own family, the Habsburgs.
Because he was a powerful cardinal and the head of the church in Spain, Fernández de Portocarrero used his influence. He helped convince King Charles II to name Philip V of Spain, a French prince, as his heir.
Later Years and Politics
After Philip V became king, Fernández de Portocarrero acted as a regent. A regent rules for the king until the king is old enough or able to rule himself. He hoped to have a lot of power under the new king.
However, the king's French advisors wanted to make big changes to Spain's finances and government. Fernández de Portocarrero did not agree with these changes. He was seen as stubborn and focused on his own interests. Because of this, the new rulers decided he needed to be removed from power. He was told to return to his church duties in his diocese.
In 1706, when it looked like the Austrian side might win the war, Fernández de Portocarrero switched his support. He did this out of frustration and anger. But when the situation changed again, he returned his loyalty to Philip V. The government did not want to upset the Church, so he was not punished.
He died in September 1709. On his tomb, he asked for the words Hic jacet pulvis, cinis, et nihil to be written. This means "Here lies dust, ashes, and nothing."
Episcopal Succession
As a bishop, Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero helped consecrate (officially make) many other bishops. He also oversaw the priestly ordination of some priests.
See also
In Spanish: Luis Fernández Portocarrero para niños
