A native of Rome, Pomponio Cecci, he studied science, philosophy, and astronomy.
[2] On 12 August 1538 he was elected Bishop of Orte e Civita Castellana.
[2] Pope Paul III made him a cardinal priest in the consistory of 2 June 1542.
He received the red hat and the titular church of San Ciriaco alle Terme Diocleziane on 12 June 1542.
He is buried in the family chapel in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.