Providing a re-assessment of Giovanni Morone (1509-1580) this book addresses the key moments in the cardinal's career. Focusing particularly on the period after his release from charges of heresy and his subsequent role as principal legate to the Council of Trent (1563) this study will be welcomed by scholars with an interest in the sixteenth-century Catholic Church.
Cardinal Giovanni Morone (1509-80) remains one of the most intriguing characters in the history of the sixteenth century Catholic Church - with neither his contemporaries nor subsequent scholars being able to agree on his motivations, theology or his legacy. Appointed Bishop of Modena in 1529 and created Cardinal in 1542 by Pope Paul III, his glittering career appeared to be in ruins following his arrest in 1557 on charges of heresy. Yet, despite spending more than two years imprisoned in Castel Sant' Angelo, he managed to resurrect his career and in 1563 was appointed principal legate to the Council of Trent, whereupon he resolved the difficulties besetting the council, which had brought it to a virtual standstill, and guided it to a successful conclusion. Concentrating largely - but by no means exclusively - upon the period of the pontificate of Pius IV (1559-65) and an evaluation of Morone's role as presiding legate at the Council of Trent, this book tackles a number of issues that have exercised scholars. How does Morone's activity at Trent in 1563 now look in the light of the information available in connection with his processo? What was the result of the wider activity of Morone and the spirituali during Pius' pontificate? How did Morone's career progress after Trent, with regards his actions as a diocesan in the immediate post-conciliar situation and his renewed difficulties in the pontificate of Pius V? Through a re-reading of important archival material and a re-examination of the wealth of recently published primary sources, this study revisits these key questions, and analyses the fluctuating fortunes of Morone's career as bishop, diplomat, heretic and cardinal legate.
'This is both a well-considered and well-researched biography, an excellent read both as an appraisal of its important and pivotal subject, and also as another light shining on the world of the Catholic Reformation.' Sixteenth Century Journal 'Robinson's work is an important contribution to early modern Italian religious history.' Renaissance Quarterly '... an interesting new synthesis that targets the problem of how to reconcile the two images of Morone's life and what it reveals about the state of the Church during this crucial phase in its history.' Catholic Historical Review
