Gerard van Groesbeeck

Gerard van Groesbeeck (1517–1580) was a prelate who became the 88th Bishop of Liège, as well as Prince-Abbot of Stavelot and a cardinal of the Catholic Church.

Early life Gerard van Groesbeeck was born at Kuringen Castle outside Hasselt in 1517. His parents were Jan, Baron of Groesbeek (in Guelders), and Berthe de Ghoër. As a young man, he became a canon of Aachen Cathedral, In 1574, a letter from Pope Gregory XIII congratulating Groesbeeck on his conduct was published. In 1576, he became Prince-Abbot of Stavelot. Gregory made him a cardinal priest in the consistory of 21 February 1578, but he never traveled to Rome to receive the red hat or a titular church.

In 1577, when Margaret of Valois was travelling to Spa, Groesbeeck lent her his palace, himself temporarily moving to the Abbey of Saint-Jacques. The royal visit was the occasion for a series of celebrations, banquets and exchanges of gifts. She described her host as "a lord accompanied by much virtue, prudence and goodness, who speaks French well; agreeable of person, honourable, magnificent and agreeable company."

He died on 29 December 1580 and was buried in St. Lambert's Cathedral, Liège.