Pedro Luis de Borja Lanzol de Romaní facts for kids
Pedro Luis de Borja Lanzol de Romaní (born in 1472, died in 1511) was an important leader in the Catholic Church. He was a cardinal and also a military leader for the Pope. His great-uncle was Pope Alexander VI, who helped him get many important positions.
After his great-uncle died, Pedro Luis had to leave Rome. This happened when Pope Julius II, a rival of the Borja family, became the new Pope. Pedro Luis also served as a Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and fought in places like Jerusalem and Rhodes.
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Early Life and Military Service
Pedro Luis de Borja was born in Valencia, Spain, in 1472. He was one of eight children. Early in his life, he joined a group of warrior monks called the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. They were also known as the Knights of Rhodes.
He became a Knight of this important order. Later, he was made the Prior of the Order in Santa Eufemia. This was a leadership role within the Knights.
Becoming a Cardinal and Archbishop
On March 20, 1500, his great-uncle, Pope Alexander VI, secretly made him a cardinal. This was announced to everyone later, on September 28, 1500. Pedro Luis officially received his red cardinal's hat on October 2, 1500.
While he was already a cardinal, Pedro Luis was also chosen to be the Archbishop of Valencia. He took over this role from his brother, Juan, on July 29, 1500. He held this important church position until he died.
Pedro Luis never actually visited Valencia as its archbishop. Instead, someone else officially took over the role for him. He also became a high-ranking church official called the Major Penitentiary. This meant he was in charge of certain church matters.
Because of his great-uncle's influence, Pedro Luis also received other titles. He became the Governor of Spoleto and Governor of Bagnoregio. He was also made the head of several monasteries.
Pedro Luis also helped create the University of Valencia. This important university was established on January 23, 1501, thanks to his efforts. When he arrived in Rome on June 17, 1501, his brother Rodrigo, a captain of the Pope's guard, welcomed him.
After Pope Alexander VI Died
As a cardinal, Pedro Luis helped choose the next Pope in 1503. However, the new Pope, Pope Julius II, was not friendly to the Borja family. Pope Julius II even arrested Pedro Luis's cousin, Cesare Borgia.
Because of this, Pedro Luis had to leave Rome on December 20, 1503. He went to Naples for safety. Pope Julius II later invited Pedro Luis to return to Rome. He also freed Cesare, who then joined Pedro Luis in Naples.
Pedro Luis later became the archpriest of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome in May 1510. This was another important church position.
Pedro Luis de Borja died on October 4, 1511. He fell from his horse while traveling from Rome back to Naples. He was buried in a church in Rome.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Luis de Borja Llançol de Romaní para niños
