Francesco Cennini: The Cardinal of Sarteano and His Influence in Church History
Francesco Cennini was one of the most influential figures in the Catholic Church during the 17th century, a powerful cardinal deeply connected to the Borghese family, originally from Siena, and who was close to the papal throne on two occasions. Coming from a prestigious family, the Cenninis left a lasting mark on Sarteano, where they are associated with the 15th-century palace and its charming cloister, a historical building formerly known as Salamandri. The family produced public administrators, prelates, men of law and culture, and even a blessed.
Francesco Cennini, who earned his utroque iure degree at the University of Siena, moved to Rome, where he entered the service of Cardinal Scipione Caffarelli Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V. His ecclesiastical career quickly took off, thanks in part to his close ties with the powerful Borghese family. In 1612, he was appointed bishop of Amelia, but he never resided in his diocese due to his numerous commitments at the Roman Curia.
In 1618, Cennini was sent as apostolic nuncio to Spain, a position that further consolidated his power and influence. During this period, he was appointed titular patriarch of Jerusalem while retaining his previous title of bishop of Amelia. His rise did not stop there: on January 11, 1621, Pope Paul V elevated him to the cardinalate with the title of San Marcello, and the following year, he appointed him papal legate to Ravenna.
In 1623, Francesco Cennini became the bishop of the diocese of Faenza, and in 1641 he was promoted to the order of bishops, being assigned the suburbicarian see of Sabina. In 1645, he was transferred to the diocese of Porto and Santa Rufina, continuing to hold prestigious positions. His career culminated in his appointment as prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Council in 1644-1645, during which he played a fundamental role in the ecclesiastical decisions of the time.
Francesco Cennini was not only a prominent figure within the Church but also a symbol of the connection between Sarteano and the powerful Borghese family. The palace bearing his family name in Sarteano, with its fascinating cloister, continues to testify to the historical importance of a family that, for generations, played a crucial role in the religious and political history of Tuscany and beyond.
Today, the bond between the Cennini family and Sarteano remains alive, symbolizing devotion, culture, and influence that has spanned centuries of history.
