ALEANDRO, GIROLAMO

(1480-1542)

Italianhumanistwho later became one of the most influential agents of papal opposition to theReformation. A native of Treviso, educated atPadua, he began his career in the service of a wealthy cardinal atVenice, where he also worked for the famous humanist and printerAldus Manutiusand became a friend ofErasmus. In 1508 he moved to Paris, where he lectured onGreeklanguage and literature. After briefly working for the prince-bishop of Liège, in 1519 Aleandro entered papal service atRome, first as librarian but soon as papal legate to Germany. From his period, his activities increasingly were related to the Protestant Reformation rather than to the Renaissance. During his legatine travels in Germany, he became convinced that the reformist ideas of his former friend Erasmus were the ultimate source ofMartin Luther'sheresies. He remained a powerful figure at Rome down to his death, being named archbishop of Brindisi in 1524 and a cardinal in 1538.