File:Francis Borgia.jpg

English: Francis Borgia, born 28 October, 1510, was the son of Juan Borgia, third Duke of Gandia. Raised in the court of King Charles V. Accompanied Charles on his expedition to Africa, 1535, and to Provence, 1536. Viceroy of Catalonia, 1539-1543. IV Duke of Gandia, 1543-1550. Widower in 1546. Friend and advisor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Joined the Jesuits in 1548. Ordained in 1551. Notable preacher. In 1565, elected third father general of the Jesuits, after the founder and Diego Lainez. The Order made great progress during his seven-year rule. Died 30 September, 1572. Clement X signed the bull of canonization of St. Francis Borgia, on 20 June, 1670. After various vicissitudes, the remains were carried to Madrid in 1901. Currently the relics are honoured in the Church of Society of Jesus, named after the Saint; in Madrid. Painted by Alonso Cano (Granada 1601-1667) – Now at the Museum of Bellas Artes, Seville. Fsancis Borgia portrayed as a Jesuit holding a skull crowned with an imperial diadem. The symbol represents a period of Borgia s life: When young empress Isabella died, Francis was commissioned to convey her remains to Granada, where they were interred. The death of the empress caused the first break in his brilliant career. The coffin had to be opened for him, that he might verify the body before it was placed in the tomb; the body was so unrecognizable to his eyes that he vowed never again to serve any earthly sovereign. He appreciated the vanity of life and of its grandeurs and detached from the court.