Azzolino, Decio, 1623-1689

Italian prelate, and papal secretary of state to Pope Urban VIII, who served from 1623 to 1644.

As an accomplished vernacular poet, Azzolino shared Urban VIII's interest in books, manuscripts, and the written word. The cardinal was also a close friend of Queen Christina of Sweden; it is generally believed that the two were lovers--a view which is born out by her letters to him. When she died in 1689, she bequeathed her great library to Azzolino, although he himself died a short time later. Cf. Christine de Suède et le Cardinal Azzolino: lettres inédites (1666-1668) avec une introduction et des notes / par le Baron de Bildt. Paris : E. Plon, Nourrit, 1899.

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