After his stay in Rome, he travelled to Venice, and from there he returned to Portugal, visiting several European principalities along the way.

He resigned the see on 22 April 1547, in favor of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, the grandson of Pope Paul III.

[4] Pope Paul III finally elevated Miguel da Silva to the cardinalate on 19 December 1539, though the appointment was kept secret (in pectore) for the time being.

[6] King John III of Portugal promptly condemned him on a charge of treason and revoked his Portuguese nationality.

[13] Greatly praised for his classical culture and command of ancient languages, he was a personal friend of the painter Raffaello Sanzio.