Alessandro Sforza (cardinal)

He completed his training at the Gymnasium of Perugia, studying letters and probably also civil and canon law, and gained the academic title of Magister.

Early in his ecclesiastical career, he became a papal chaplain.Through his older brother's influence, Allessandro was able to purchase a post in the Apostolic Camera.

He was caught up in a minor scandal after was he involved in a plan to return two galleys in use by the French to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

The pope considered this an outrage and had Cardinal Guido Ascanio Sforza arrested in Castel Sant'Angelo.

Imperial diplomacy facilitated an agreement: the return to Civitavecchia of Alessandro, with the galleys, in exchange for the release of his cardinal brother.

The solution was accepted, however Sforza landed before reaching his destination and took refuge in the family fiefdom of Santa Fiora.

The new pope named him archpriest of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore; during the jubilee year of 1575, he opened the holy door there.

[1] In 1573, he commissioned Giacomo della Porta to complete the family chapel started by his brother at Santa Maria Maggiore.