Ludovico Madruzzo

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Portrait of Ludovico Madruzzo by Giovanni Battsita Moroni.Art Institute, Chicago.
Portrait of Ludovico Madruzzo by Giovanni Battsita Moroni.Art Institute, Chicago.

Ludovico Madruzzo (1532 - 1600) was an Italian Roman Catholic cardinal and statesman.

[edit] Biography

Born in Trento, he was the son of baron Niccolò Madruzzo and Helene of Lanberg, and nephew of Cristoforo Madruzzo, Prince-Bishop of Trento. He studied at the universities of Leuven and Paris.

In 1550 his uncle Cristoforo, named Governor of Milan, entrusted him the administration of the Bishopric of Trento. After numerous important diplomatic and political experiences (including the mourning discourse at Charles V's funeral, he was created cardinal in 1561 by Pope Pius IV. Six years later he was appointed titular of the diocese of Trento.

Since the rules of Bernardo Clesio and Cristoforo Madruzzo, the bishopric had gained a substantial independence from the Habsburg-controlled county of Tyrol, and this caused strife between Ludovico and the Austrian archduke (and future emperor) Ferdinand II. The latter invaded Trentine in 1567, and Ludovico moved to Rome, waiting for a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. Trento's authority was totally re-established by the Diet of Speyer in 1587.

Ludovico Madruzzo was a friend of St. Charles Borromeo and St. Philip Neri.

He died in Rome in 1600. He was succeeded by his nephew Carlo Gaudenzio.

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Preceded by
Cristoforo Madruzzo
Prince-Bishop of Trento
1567-1600
Succeeded by
Carlo Gaudenzio Madruzzo