Francesco Gonzaga

Francesco Gonzaga O.F.M. Obs. (died 2 March 1620) was a Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Mantua (1593–1620), Apostolic Nuncio to France (1596–1599), Bishop of Pavia, and Bishop of Cefalù (1587–1593).

Early life Annibale Gonzaga was born as the fifth son of Carlo Gonzaga, Marquis of Gazzuolo, Count of San Martino and his wife Emilia Cauzzi Gonzaga, natural daughter of Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua by his lover Isabella Boschetti. After the death of his father in 1555, Annibale grew up under the care of his grand-uncles Ferrante and Cardinal Ercole Gonzaga. There he was engaged in implementing the Tridentine decrees. In 1589 he was principal consecrator of Juan Corrionero as Bishop of Catania.

On 29 January 1593, Pope Clement VIII named him Bishop of Pavia. He paid the debts of prisoners, renovated the facade of the Cattedrale di San Pietro apostolo, and built housing for poor families.

On 10 May 1596, he was named Apostolic Nuncio to France and served in this position until 1599. He was declared Venerable, and, on 13 July 1904, the cause for his beatification was opened. The Museo diocesano Francesco Gonzaga in Mantua displays sacred artworks, armor, coins, tapestries, pottery, ancient and contemporary paintings.