Sebastiano Antonio Pighini

Sebastiano Antonio Pighini was born in Arceto, near Scandiano, on 17 September 1500, the son of Grazio Pighini and Caterina Vigarani.[1]

After studying law, he became a cleric at Reggio Emilia.[1] He was also a canon of the cathedral chapter of Capua Cathedral.[1]

Moving to Rome, he became an auditor of the Roman Rota and a Chaplain of His Holiness.[1] He also served as internuncio to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.[1]

On 27 August 1546 he was elected Bishop of Alife.[1] He was consecrated as a bishop in Trento Cathedral on 21 December 1546 by Cardinal Giovanni Maria Ciocchi del Monte.[1] He took his seat at the Council of Trent on 13 January 1547.[1] When the Council moved to Bologna, he served as its president from 12 March 1547 until 10 November 1549.[1] On 4 June 1548 he was transferred to the see of Ferentino, and then, on 30 May 1550, promoted to the metropolitan see of Manfredonia.[1] He served as full nuncio to Emperor Charles V August 1550 to April 1551.[1] He was also a Datary from 1550 to 1552.[1]

Pope Julius III made him a cardinal priest in the consistory of 20 November 1551; published in the consistory of 30 May 1552.[1] He received the red hat and the titular church of San Callisto on 27 June 1552.[1] He was made papal vicar over all the tribunals of Rome.[1] On 11 December 1553 he was named administrator of the see of Adria.[1]

He died in Rome on 23 November 1553.[1] He was buried in Santa Maria del Popolo.[1]