The diocese was established on 29 October 1511 for political reasons, to transform the Marquisate of Saluzzo into an ecclesiastic territory, and was directly dependent upon the Holy See.

[2][3] The diocese of Saluzzo was established by Pope Julius II on 29 October 1511, in his bull Pro excellenti.

[9] Tornabuoni then went to Rome, to have Pope Leo X rule on some questions about civil and religious jurisdiction in the diocese of Saluzzo.

[10] Saluzzo was governed by his Vicar General, Filippo de Pistorio, and episcopal functions were delegated to Antonio Vacca, the titular Bishop of Nicomedia.

[11] In 1522 the duchy of Saluzzo was attacked by forces of the Emperor Charles V, led by Pompeo Colonna, who were planning to invade Provence.