Pompeo Colonna facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pompeo Colonna
Portrait by Sebastiano del Piombo, Galleria Colonna, Rome
Diocese	Archbishop of Monreale
Elected	14 December 1530
In Office	28 June 1532
Orders
Created Cardinal	1 July 1517
Rank	Cardinal Priest of San Lorenzo in Damaso (1524–1532)
Personal details
Born	12 May 1479 Rome
Died	28 June 1532(1532-06-28) (aged 53) Naples
Parents	Girolamo Colonna, Vittoria dei Conti di Pola

Pompeo Colonna (born May 12, 1479 – died June 28, 1532) was an important Italian noble. He was a military leader, a politician, and a cardinal in the Catholic Church. At the end of his life, he served as the Viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples for Emperor Charles V.

Pompeo was born in Rome. His family, the Colonna, was one of the most powerful noble families in Rome and Naples. They were strong supporters of the Holy Roman Empire. They often fought against their long-time rivals, the Orsini family, to protect and expand their family's lands and power. Pompeo played a big part in choosing new Popes in 1521 and 1523. He strongly opposed Pope Clement VII, which led to major conflicts, including the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Early Life and Military Service

Pompeo's father died when he was very young, less than three years old. He grew up in Monte Compatrum under the care of his uncles, Prospero and Cardinal Giovanni Colonna. Pompeo and his cousin, Marcantonio Colonna, were always competing, especially in military skills.

In 1498, at 18, Pompeo fought alongside his uncle Prospero against the Orsini. After this conflict, his uncle took him to Naples. There, Pompeo became a close friend of King Federigo I. Later, in 1503, Pompeo fought for the Spanish in several battles. One of these was the Battle of Garigliano (1503).

Becoming a Church Leader

Pompeo's uncles decided he should join the church. This way, he could take over the important church positions and wealth of Cardinal Giovanni. He became the Cardinal's main assistant around 1504.

In 1507, with help from Pope Julius II, Pompeo was named a Protonotary Apostolic. When Cardinal Giovanni Colonna died in 1508, Pompeo became the bishop of Rieti. He held this position until 1520, when he gave it to his nephew, Scipione Colonna. Pompeo also served as abbot of Subiaco and Grottaferrata.

Challenges with Pope Julius II

In 1511, rumors spread that Pope Julius II was dying. Pompeo Colonna and Antonio Savelli encouraged the people of Rome to rebel against the Pope. Pompeo was upset because no Romans were made cardinals recently.

However, the Roman nobles quickly made peace, and the Pope recovered. Pope Julius II was not happy with Bishop Pompeo Colonna and condemned him. Pompeo fled to his Abbey of Subiaco. He refused a pardon because it did not include getting his bishop position back.

Pope Julius II died in February 1513. Pompeo quickly gathered his supporters and marched on Rome. Both the Orsini and Colonna families entered the city. Pompeo attacked the house of Cardinal Antonio Maria Ciocchi del Monte, who had taken over his diocese. The Senate of Rome helped bring order. Pompeo was promised that everything would be set right if he stopped fighting. His brother Fabrizio also helped, getting a promise that Pompeo's church titles would be returned. This allowed the election for the next Pope to begin.

Serving Pope Leo X

In March 1513, the cardinals elected Giovanni de' Medici as the new Pope, who took the name Leo X. Pope Leo X immediately welcomed Pompeo Colonna. Pompeo got all his church positions back. Pope Leo also gave Pompeo and his brother Fabrizio a house and gardens that Pope Julius II had taken from their family. Pompeo then spent two years in Rome, enjoying the Pope's favor.

Pompeo Colonna also took part in the Fifth Lateran Council in 1513. He read out Pope Leo's plans for the council.

A big problem for the Colonna family happened in 1515. Pompeo's uncle, Prospero Colonna, was defeated and captured at the Battle of Marignano. Prospero was a top general for Milan and the Pope. Pompeo traveled to France in the winter to help free his uncle. After six months, the French King Francis I agreed to release Prospero. This was on the condition that Prospero would serve under Francis. However, once back in Italy, Prospero began raising troops for Emperor Charles V. Pompeo was sent to meet Emperor Maximilian and King Charles, and he successfully got King Ferdinand to provide money.

Becoming a Cardinal

Pope Leo X made Pompeo Colonna a cardinal-priest on July 1, 1517. He was given the church of Basilica XII Apostolorum. Pompeo became known for his grand dinners and intellectual discussions.

After becoming a cardinal, he was sent to Germany. He met the Emperor in Augsburg and traveled with him, learning about the German cities. He also spent a lot of time hunting with the Emperor. When he returned to Rome, he actively participated in the Pope's court.

In 1521, Pope Leo named Cardinal Colonna the administrator of the diocese of Potenza in Naples. This position, like others he held, provided him with income. It also allowed him to reward his loyal followers.

In 1519, Emperor Maximilian died. Pope Leo supported Francis I of France to be the next Emperor. This caused a conflict between the Pope and the King. Pope Leo wanted to get the cities of Parma and Piacenza back for the Papal States. This led to a four-year war in Italy. Pompeo's cousin, Marcantonio Colonna, fought for the French, which was embarrassing for Pompeo.

Choosing a New Pope (1521-1522)

Pope Leo X died in December 1521. The Papacy was left with a lot of debt. The Emperor Charles V wanted Cardinal Adrian of Dertosa to be the next Pope. Cardinal Pompeo Colonna was a strong opponent of Cardinal Giulio de' Medici, another candidate.

The cardinals met to elect a new Pope on December 27, 1521. Cardinal Prospero Colonna was among the 39 cardinals. On January 9, 1522, Cardinal Adrian Florenszoon Dedel was elected, even though he wasn't there. Cardinal Colonna was one of the cardinals who voted for him. Cardinal Adrian became Pope Adrian VI. Pompeo Colonna was chosen to go to Spain to tell the new Pope about his election.

In February 1522, Pompeo Colonna was named Governor of Terni. He helped arrange a truce between Terni and Collescipoli. In February 1523, he also became the administrator of the diocese of Catania in Sicily.

Pope Adrian VI did not live long. He died in September 1523.

Choosing Another Pope (1523)

The cardinals met again on October 1, 1523, to elect a new Pope. There were different groups of cardinals, supporting either France, the Emperor, or the Medici family. The French and Imperial groups could block each other's candidates. If the Imperial and Medici groups joined, they had a good chance of electing a Pope. However, Cardinal Colonna and Cardinal de' Medici were enemies.

The cardinals took their time, waiting for the French cardinals to arrive. Voting began on October 8. Cardinal Pompeo Colonna realized he couldn't get enough votes to be Pope. So, he focused on stopping Cardinal de' Medici and supporting an Imperial candidate, Cardinal Domenico Giacobazzi.

After some time, Cardinal de' Medici was getting many votes but was blocked by the French group. Cardinal Colonna was very frustrated with Medici's tactics. Medici then threatened to support Franciotto Orsini, one of Pompeo's family enemies. Rather than see an Orsini become Pope, Cardinal Colonna decided that Medici was the better choice.

On November 18, Cardinal de' Medici was elected Pope, with the support of Pompeo Colonna. He took the name Pope Clement VII. Colonna's support surprised many. He was then named Vice-Chancellor, a very important and profitable position. He also gained the Medici palace in Rome.

Serving Pope Clement VII

On January 11, 1524, Pope Clement VII named Cardinal Colonna Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church. This was the most profitable job in the Roman Curia. He was also named Cardinal Priest of S. Lorenzo in Lucina.

Cardinal Colonna was also named Administrator of the diocese of Acerno in Naples in 1524. He held this position until a new bishop was appointed in 1525.

In early 1524, the Cardinal was also sent to the Imperial Court. His goal was to arrange a truce between Charles V and Francis I. He failed, and Francis invaded Italy in October 1524. This led to the Battle of Pavia in February 1525, where Francis suffered a big defeat.

In 1525, Cardinal Pompeo Colonna became Administrator of the diocese of Rossano and later the Diocese of Aquila in Naples. These positions provided him with more income and influence.

Conflict with Pope Clement VII

In 1526, Cardinal Pompeo Colonna became deeply involved in European politics again. Both Spain and France were trying to make an alliance with Pope Clement VII. The Spanish tried to get Cardinal Pompeo to Rome, but he was ill. The Pope was angry about Colonna's absence.

On May 22, the League of Cognac was formed. It included Francis I, Pope Clement VII, Venice, Florence, and Milan. Their goal was to weaken the Emperor's power in Italy. The Emperor sent his ambassador, Ugo Moncada, to Rome. Moncada's orders were to either get the Pope to ally with the Empire or to start a rebellion in Rome with Pompeo Colonna's help. The Pope refused Moncada's offers. Moncada then went directly to the Colonna family.

The war was a disaster for the Pope. His allies did not provide much help. The Colonna family and other supporters of the Empire in central Italy decided to rise against the Pope. On September 20, a force of 3,000 foot soldiers and 800 cavalry, led by Cardinal Pompeo Colonna, entered Rome. The Pope fled to the Castel S. Angelo, and the Vatican and S. Peter's Basilica were attacked. Pompeo and Moncada stayed at Cardinal Pompeo Colonna's palace.

The next day, Pope Clement was forced to meet with Moncada. The Pope had to agree to a four-month truce with the Emperor. He also had to remove his troops from Lombardy and pardon the Colonna family. However, the Pope broke his promises, saying they were made under threat. Cardinal Pompeo was angry that the Pope was not captured. He then went to Naples.

The Pope then turned on the Colonna family. He raised an army with the help of the Orsini family. On November 7, Pope Clement VII tried to put Cardinal Pompeo on trial. When Pompeo appealed to a future General Council, the Pope banned him. On November 21, 1526, Cardinal Colonna lost his Vice-Chancellorship. He was given it back on March 27, 1527.

The Emperor sent an army of Spanish and German troops to Naples. At the same time, a large group of German soldiers, led by Georg von Frundsberg, marched towards Milan. This army was put under the command of Duke Charles de Bourbon.

The Sack of Rome (1527)

In mid-November 1526, Frundsberg and 12,000 men crossed the Alps. They joined Duke Charles in February 1527, forming an army of about 30,000 troops. They waited for money and supplies. France and Venice urged the Pope to act, while Florence wanted the Pope to make peace. The Emperor Charles also wanted peace. He sent his agent, Cesare Ferramosca, to meet with Pope Clement VII. The terms included the Pope losing several cities and paying a large sum of money.

A small fight in January 1527, where Imperial forces (including Cardinal Pompeo Colonna) were defeated, gave the Pope false hope. He rejected the Emperor's peace terms. But in March, the Pope's army ran out of money and began to break up. The French had promised help, but it was delayed. On March 15, the Pope signed a treaty with Carlo di Lannoy, the Viceroy of Naples, and pardoned the Colonna family.

March on Rome

Meanwhile, the German and Spanish army reached Bologna. They demanded supplies. The soldiers revolted on March 13. The Constable Bourbon barely escaped. The army continued marching south towards Florence and Rome. The Viceroy tried to meet the Constable with money from Florence. But the soldiers refused to stop marching and almost killed the Viceroy.

At the end of April, Cardinal Pompeo Colonna and Ugo de Moncada planned a rebellion in Rome for May 10. Pope Clement, low on money, tried to renew his treaty with the Imperial leaders. The agreement was made on May 1 in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles, next to the Colonna palace. Cardinal Pompeo swore to the treaty and even hosted a dinner for the Pope. However, the Emperor, French, and Venetians did not agree to the treaty terms.

The Imperial army reached Viterbo on May 2. On May 4, they defeated a papal force. On the same day, the Colonna family promised them military support.

The Pope had trouble finding soldiers. On May 3, he created five new cardinals just to raise money. Many people left Rome. The Spanish-German army, about 40,000 soldiers, reached Rome on Sunday, May 5. Cardinal Colonna arrived in Rome on Friday, May 10.

The Sack (May 7–14)

The attack on Rome began around 4:00 am on May 7. The Imperial forces attacked the southern gate of the Vatican City. During the first attack, the Constable de Bourbon was killed. Without its leader, the Imperial army became a mob of looters. The Trastevere area was captured, and the troops forced their way into the city.

Cardinal Colonna played a big role in the Sack of Rome. He led a group of mercenaries and peasants from his family's lands, totaling over 8,000 men. They entered Rome through the Porta S. Paolo. Cardinal Pompeo stayed in the Cancelleria Palace, which had been his when he was Vice-Chancellor. He reportedly sheltered other cardinals and more than 500 nuns. On May 10, Cardinal Pompeo was put in charge of the part of Rome directly in front of the Castel S. Angelo.

With the Viceroy of Naples trapped in Siena, Cardinal Colonna took control of Rome. His enemy, pope Clement VII, was a prisoner in Castel Sant'Angelo. The Imperial leaders appointed a council, which included Cardinal Pompeo Colonna. On May 11, it was reported that Cardinal Colonna would get all his titles and positions back. This was part of the treaty being worked out between the Emperor and the Pope. The Sack of Rome lasted eight days.

Aftermath

On June 23, 1527, the Pope was asked to name Cardinal Pompeo Colonna his Vicar for Rome in spiritual matters. But the Pope refused to agree to this. The Pope also refused to do any church business while he was held in Castel S. Angelo. By June 26, Cardinal Pompeo and those with him had left Rome due to fear of the plague. The Imperial army officially left Rome on July 12.

In March 1528, Cardinal Pompeo was in Naples. In April, he had a disagreement with the Prince of Orange and left Naples for Gaeta. He later served as a papal representative in Ancona.

In April 1529, Pope Clement VII named Cardinal Pompeo Administrator of the diocese of Aversa in Naples. He resigned when his nephew Fabio Colonna was appointed bishop. Cardinal Colonna was also named Administrator of the diocese of Sarno in Naples in August 1530. He held this position until his death. On December 14, 1530, the Cardinal was named archbishop of Monreale by Pope Clement VII. He held this office until his death in 1532.

Career in Naples

In 1530, Emperor Charles V made Pompeo Colonna the Lieutenant General of the Kingdom of Naples. When Philibert of Chalon, Prince of Orange, died in August 1530, Cardinal Colonna was named Viceroy of Naples in his place.

Cardinal Pompeo was also a poet. His most famous work was De laudibus mulierum, which means "On the Praises of Women." He wrote it for his relative Vittoria Colonna, who was also a poet. This poem was never published.

Some people wanted Cardinal Pompeo to return to Rome and live in retirement. The Pope said he would welcome Pompeo back if he lived in the city and took part in church meetings. But Cardinal Pompeo believed he would be in danger and refused to return to Rome.

Death

In early 1532, the Cardinal had to raise troops and money for Emperor Charles V's army. The Emperor was leading this army into Hungary to defend Vienna from the large army of Suleiman the Magnificent. Pompeo held a public meeting in Naples and managed to get a large sum of money from the nobles of Naples. Two of his nephews joined the expedition.

A few days later, Pompeo began to feel ill. His doctors complained that he always drank wine with snow. Whatever was making him sick was in his stomach, and it quickly weakened him. Cardinal Pompeo Colonna died in Naples on June 28, 1532. He was buried in the Church of S. Anna of Monte Oliveto.

Images for kids

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  Abbey of Subiaco

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  Prospero Colonna

See also

In Spanish: Pompeo Colonna para niños