Philip Howard (cardinal) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Philip Thomas Howard
Archpriest of Saint Mary Major
Church	Roman Catholic
In Office	1689–1694
Predecessor	Felice Rospigliosi
Successor	Benedetto Pamphili
Other posts	Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria sopra Minerva (1679–94)
Orders
Ordination	1652
Created Cardinal	27 May 1675
Rank	Cardinal-Priest
Personal details
Birth name	Philip Howard
Born	21 September 1629 Arundel House, London, England
Died	17 June 1694 (aged 64) Rome, Papal States
Buried	Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Parents	Henry Howard, 15th Earl of Arundel Elizabeth Stuart
Previous post	Cardinal-Priest of Santa Cecilia (1676–79) Titular Bishop of Helenopolis in Bithynia (1672–76)

Philip Howard (born September 21, 1629 – died June 17, 1694) was an important English cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He was a member of the Dominican Order.

Philip Howard's Early Life

Philip Howard was born in London, England, in 1629. His family was very important. His father was Henry Frederick Howard, 22nd Earl of Arundel, and his mother was Elizabeth Stuart. He was the third son in his family.

At first, Philip was raised in the Church of England. This was the main church in England at the time.

A New Path: Discovering Catholicism

In 1642, when Philip was about 13, he traveled to Europe. He went with his grandfather, Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel. They were traveling with Princess Mary and her mother, Queen Henrietta Maria.

While in Antwerp, a city in what is now Belgium, Philip met his grandmother, Alethea Howard, Countess of Arundel. She was living there. Through her and a Dominican priest named John-Baptist Hackett, Philip learned about Catholicism. This was a big change for him.

Joining the Dominican Order

When Philip was 16 years old, he decided to join the Dominican Order. This is a group of Catholic priests and brothers. He joined them in a city called Cremona. In 1646, he made his promises to the order in Rome. He took the name Thomas.

He studied in Naples. Later, he gave a speech in Latin to the leaders of his order in Rome. In his speech, he spoke strongly about helping England become Catholic again. Because of his speech, the order decided to welcome more young people from England, Ireland, and Scotland. This helped the order continue in those countries. Philip became a priest in 1652.

Starting New Religious Houses

Philip Howard helped start new places for his order. He founded a priory (a type of monastery) in Bornem, in a region called Flanders. This priory also had a college for young English men. Philip was the first leader there. He also started a convent for Dominican nuns in Vilvoorde. This convent later moved to the Isle of Wight in England.

Philip Howard's Work in England

During the time of King Charles II, Philip Howard returned to England. He became the grand almoner for Queen Catherine of Braganza. An almoner is someone who gives out money or help to the poor.

He lived at St. James's Palace in London. He had an important role and a good salary.

Leaving England and Becoming a Cardinal

Later, there was a time when people in England were against Catholics. Because of this, Philip left England. He went back to his role as prior in Bornem.

In 1675, Pope Clement X made him a cardinal. This is a very high rank in the Catholic Church. He was given the title of a church in Rome called Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. Later, this was changed to the Dominican church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

As a cardinal, he lived in Rome. He worked hard to support the Catholic faith in England. He also helped make the Feast of St. Edward the Confessor a holiday for the whole Church. He helped rebuild the English College in Rome. This college trained English priests. He also updated the rules for Douai College.

Later Years and Legacy

Cardinal Howard worked with King James II to increase the number of Catholic leaders in England. They increased the number of Vicars Apostolic (special bishops) from one to four. This system lasted for many years.

Cardinal Howard attended three important meetings called conclaves. These meetings are where cardinals choose a new Pope. He helped choose Innocent XI in 1676, Alexander VIII in 1689, and Innocent XII in 1691. He also held a high position as the Camerlengo of the College of Cardinals.

Philip Howard died in Rome in 1694, when he was 64 years old. He was buried in his church, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, in Rome. A beautiful monument there honors his memory.