ROSPIGLIOSI, FAMILY. - Of Lombard origin, the family moved to Pistoia in the 13th century.
The earliest known ancestor is a GIOVANNI, living in 1306. Another GIOVANNI at the beginning of the 15th century led Tuscan troops in the service of Martin V in the war against Braccio da Montone. GIOVANNI BATTISTA, after fighting for France, was appointed admiral by Pius V in 1566; others held offices in Pistoia and were knights of St Stephen. When GIULIO, son of Girolamo, was elected pope in 1667 under the name of Clement IX (v.), Camillo, the Pope’s brother, became general of the Church. Of Camillo’s sons, Tommaso (d. 1669) was castellan of Castel Sant’Angelo; the other son, Giacomo (d. 1684), created cardinal-nephew on 12 December 1667, served as internuncio in Brussels, legate in Avignon and Ferrara, and at the court of Louis XIV. Felice (d. 1688) was created cardinal by Clement X on 16 January 1673. Vincenzo commanded the papal galleys that were to operate at Candia alongside those of Venice under Francesco Morosini (May 1668); then in March 1669 he was appointed commander-in-chief of all French and Venetian forces; he did not leave the island until shortly before its fall. GIOVANNI BATTISTA (1640–1722), also a son of Camillo, a papal general, was created Prince of the Holy Roman Empire. By marrying Maria Camilla Palavicini, niece of Cardinal Lazzaro Sforza Pallavicini and last of her line, he united her name and principality to his own. GIULIO CESARE (1781–1859) acquired the titles of his wife Margherita Colonna Gioeni. Of their children, Clemente became the founder of the R. Gioeni branch, and Francesco of the Pallavicini-R. branch.
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