Philibert Babou de la Bourdaisière

Philibert Babou de la Bourdaisière was born in Brisighella in 1513, the son of Philibert Babou and Marie Gaudin.[1] He was from a French family.[1] His mother was the mistress of Francis I of France.[2] His brother, Jacques Babou de la Bourdaisière, was Bishop of Angoulême.[1]

He studied Ancient Greek and Latin, obtaining a degree from the University of Paris.[1]

Following his brother's death, he was elected Bishop of Angoulême on 13 January 1533; he served as administrator until reaching the canonical age to be consecrated.[1] He was counselor and master of memorials at the court of Henry II of France.[1] He became dean of the Basilica of St. Martin, Tours.[1] In February 1556, Henry II of France sent him to Rome as his ambassador; he remained the French ambassador under Francis II of France and Charles IX of France.[1]

Pope Pius IV made him a cardinal priest in the consistory of 26 February 1561.[1] He received the red hat and the titular church of San Sisto Vecchio on 10 March 1561.[1]

On 16 December 1562 he was named administrator of the Diocese of Auxerre.[1] He was a participant in the Council of Trent in 1562 and 1563.[1] He opted for the titular church of San Martino ai Monti on 17 November 1564.[1] He did not participate in the papal conclave of 1565-66 that elected Pope Pius V.[1] He resigned the government of the diocese of Angoulême before 4 June 1567.[1] On 14 May 1568 he opted for the titular church of Sant'Anastasia al Palatino.[1] He was Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals from 11 January 1570 until his death, two weeks later.[1]

He died in the palace of Sant'Apollinare in Rome on 25 January 1570.[1] He was buried in San Luigi dei Francesi.[1]

• Catholic Church in France