Francesco Argentino (c. 1450 – 23 August 1511) was an Italian Roman Catholic bishop and cardinal.

Biography edit

Francesco Argentino was born in Venice c. 1450.[1] His father was a poor man from Strasbourg (he took the surname "Argentino" because in Latin, "Strasbourg" is Argentinensis) and a Venetian woman.[1] Giovanni Mocenigo, Doge of Venice, arranged for Argentino to study at the University of Padua, where the young man obtained a doctorate in law.[1]

After completing his degree, he returned to Venice to practice law.[1] Cardinal Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici (the future Pope Leo X) was exiled in Venice at that time, allowing Argentino to meet him.[1] Thanks to the cardinal, he obtained a canonicate in the collegiate Chapter of St Mark's Basilica.[2] In 1494, he became the pastor of Salzano.[1]

He then traveled to Rome, where he gained the confidence of Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere (the future Pope Julius II).[1] On 24 August 1506 he was elected Bishop of Concordia; he occupied that see until his death.[1] When he became pope, Julius II made Bishop Argentino his Datary.[1]

Pope Julius II made him a cardinal priest in the consistory of 10 March 1511.[1] He received the red hat on 13 March 1511, and the titular church of the Basilica di San Clemente on 17 March 1511.[1] He died in Rome on 23 August 1511.[1] He was buried in Concordia Cathedral.[1]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Miranda, Salvador. "ARGENTINO, Francesco (ca. 1450-1511)". The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church. Florida International University Libraries. OCLC 53276621.
  2. ^ The Basilica of St. Mark did not become the cathedral of Venice until 1807, when Bonaparte, King of Italy, ordered the change.