Borromeo, Charles

(1538–84)

   Archbishop and Saint.

   Borromeo was born in Arona, Italy, of a noble family and was educated in Milan and Paris. From his early youth he was destined for the Church and he was appointed Cardinal Archbishop of Milan by his uncle Pope Pius IV at the age of twenty-two. He played an important part in the final session of the Council of Trent and is thought to have been responsible for the drawing up of the new Catechism of 1566. This was an exposition of the Creed and the Ten Commandments and was intended for the use of priests. In his own archdiocese, in the face of considerable opposition, he instituted many farreaching reforms. Living very simply himself, he founded seminaries, reformed monasteries, disciplined errant clergy, organised philanthropic institutions and Sunday Schools and encouraged the activities of the Jesuits. He is regarded as an important leader of the Counter- Reformation and continues to be seen as a model Bishop.

   M. Yeo, A Prince of Pastors (1938);

   J. Headley and J. Tomaro (eds), San Carlo Borromeo (1988).