15 Facts About Taddeo Barberini

Taddeo Barberini was an Italian nobleman of the House of Barberini who became Prince of Palestrina and Gonfalonier of the Church; commander of the Papal Army.

Taddeo Barberini was a nephew of Pope Urban VIII and brother of Cardinals Francesco Barberini and Antonio Barberini.

Taddeo Barberini was the nephew of brothers cardinal Maffeo Barberini and Antonio Marcello Barberini and of Lorenzo Magalotti.

Taddeo Barberini was the brother of Francesco Barberini and Antonio Barberini, both of whom became Cardinals when their uncle became pope.

In 1623, Maffeo Barberini was elected as Pope Urban VIII and Taddeo Barberini's fortunes improved considerably.

Almost immediately, Taddeo Barberini was appointed Gonfalonier of the Church; Commander of the Papal Army, though during later conflicts his brother Cardinal Antonio Taddeo Barberini commanded papal and mercenary troops in the field.

In 1624, Taddeo Barberini took control of the Duchy of Urbino, relinquished to Urban VIII after the death of Federico Ubaldo.

Taddeo's son Carlo Barberini later renounced his right to inherit his father's titles to become a cardinal.

Taddeo Barberini rebuilt the Palazzo Barberini and his son Maffeo later commissioned a new church nearby.

Taddeo Barberini built a small private casino which operated for a few years during his administration but closed when future princes had no interest in gambling.

When Savelli proved to be an unenthusiastic commander, he was returned to Rome and Taddeo Barberini was appointed in his place.

Taddeo's wife Anna Colonna appealed to Pope Innocent urging him to allow the Barberini to keep their property.

Innocent agreed but the Taddeo Barberini remained in exile for several more years.

Taddeo Barberini died in 1647 while in exile in France without ever seeing Rome again.

The Barberini family was reconciled with the papacy, at least in part, through Taddeo's two sons, Carlo Barberini and Maffeo Barberini.