[1][2][3] Francisco Sánchez Villanueva y Vega was born in Madrid, Spain in January 1581.
[4][5] On 10 August 1627, he was selected as Archbishop of Taranto and confirmed by Pope Urban VIII on 24 January 1628.
[1][4] On 13 February 1628, he was consecrated bishop by Ludovico Ludovisi, Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in Damaso.
[4] On 23 September 1630, he was appointed during the papacy of Pope Urban VIII as Archbishop (Personal Title) of Mazara del Vallo.
[1][4] On 9 July 1635, he was appointed during the papacy of Pope Urban VIII as Archbishop (Personal Title) of Islas Canarias.