← All saints
Saint Francis Borgia
Image: Alonso Cano · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Saint Francis Borgia

The Duke of Gandía who became third Superior General of the Jesuits

Rank
Saint
Kind
Priest, Religious
Life
1510 – 1572
Era
16th century
Feast
3 October
Countries
Spain, Italy
SpainItaly

Life story

Francis was born on 28 October 1510 at Gandía in the Valencia region of Spain, into the famous Borgia family; he was a great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI and of King Ferdinand II of Aragon. He grew up at court and served Emperor Charles V, married Eleonor de Castro and had several children. In 1539 he was appointed viceroy of Catalonia.

In the same year he was assigned to escort the body of Empress Isabella to Granada. According to his biographers, having to identify the remains changed the way he looked at life. He became duke of Gandía in 1543. After his wife died in 1546 he joined the Jesuits, at first in secret, and once he had settled his children's affairs he went to Rome in 1550, gave up his title and was ordained priest in 1551. He preached and oversaw the Society's work in Spain and Portugal.

In 1565 the delegates elected him third Superior General of the Jesuits. Under his leadership the Society expanded its schools and houses, sent more missionaries to the Americas, India and Poland, and reshaped the training of novices. He died in Rome on 30 September 1572. He was beatified in 1624 and canonised under Clement X in the early 1670s. He is remembered for the sharp turn his life took in middle age, from the court of an emperor to the quiet governance of a religious order. His feast is kept on 3 October in the Church's general calendar, and the Jesuits keep the same date.

Works and witness

  • Viceroy of Catalonia from 1539 and duke of Gandía from 1543
  • Joined the Jesuits after his wife's death in 1546
  • Gave up his title and was ordained priest in 1551
  • Superior General of the Jesuits from 1565
  • Expanded the Society's missions and schools

Patron of

Against earthquakes

Saints from the same country

Saint Dominic, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint Francis Xavier

References

  • Martyrologium Romanum
  • Catholic Encyclopedia (1907–1912), entry on Francis Borgia
  • Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – biographical profile

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.