Francesco Barberini

Roman aristocrat

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June 22, 2026

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Francesco Barberini was a Roman aristocrat who became a cardinal in 1623, appointed by his uncle, Pope Urban VIII. He was instrumental in the rise of the Barberini family, accumulating wealth and influence. Francesco was a patron of the arts, notably supporting the sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Barberini family faced significant opposition and conflict with other powerful families, leading to their temporary exile from Rome. However, they were eventually reconciled with the papacy and continued to hold influence for some time before the family line eventually died out in 1736.1

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Barberini Family
…1555 he summoned his nephew Francesco (1528–1600), the real founder of the Barberini dynasty. Francesco and his brother Raffaelo accumulated the riches and trade advantages that became the base of the Barberini power. Francesco (1597–1679) was the first cardinal nominated by his uncle Pope Urban VIII (October 1623). The second…
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…1555 he summoned his nephew Francesco (1528–1600), the real founder of the Barberini dynasty. Francesco and his brother Raffaelo accumulated the riches and trade advantages that became the base of the Barberini power. Francesco (1597–1679) was the first cardinal nominated by his uncle Pope Urban VIII (October 1623). The second…
Read More