GHINUCCI, GIROLAMO

GHINUCCI, GIROLAMO. — Cardinal, born in Siena into a patrician family, he held various offices in the Roman Curia: he was a cleric and auditor of the Apostolic Camera, prefect of the Segnatura of Briefs, and secretary to Julius II at the Lateran Council (1512). He was bishop of Ascoli Piceno (1512–18).

A man of intelligence, great authority, and consummate prudence, he was entrusted with many delicate assignments. Leo X charged him with the initial investigations into Luther, against whom G., assisted by Prierias, initiated proceedings. Apostolic nuncio to Henry VIII of England, he enjoyed the King’s confidence, and was appointed by him to the bishopric of Worcester (1522–35); for three years the King also retained him as his ambassador at the court of Spain. On 21 May 1535, Paul III created him cardinal deacon with the title of S. Balbina. He was a reviser of the apostolic letters for the approval of the Society of Jesus; he served on the commission charged with drafting the bull for the opening of the Council of Trent, and on those appointed for the reform of the Roman Curia and of the Church. He was one of the eight cardinals whom Paul III deputed to handle the affairs of the Council of Trent. As legate a latere (1538) to Charles V and Francis I, during the Truce of Nice he acted as intermediary between the Pope and the French King. In 1538 he was made administrator of the diocese of Tropea, and in 1541,

(Alinari photograph)
GHIBERTI, LORENZO — A Miracle of s. Zanobi. Bronze relief on one side of the saint’s reliquary chest. Florence, Cathedral.

of that of Cavaillon. Died in Rome on 3 July 1541. He is buried in S. Clemente.