Quick Facts
Biography
Jean de Bonsi (Florence, 1554 – July 4, 1621) was born in Florence, Italy to Domenico Bonsi, prime minister of the Duke of Tuscany, and Costanza Vettori.
Early Life and Studies
He studied in University of Padua canon and civil law. Ferdinando I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, named him an arbiter on the differences between him and Pope Clement VIII, concerning territorial limits. Later he became lawyer in Rome.
Episcopate
He was named Bishop of Béziers (nowadays part of the Archdiocese of Montpellier) after his uncle Tommaso Bonsi on February 11, 1598 and consecrated on September 30 the same year and served as bishop till 1611. He was succeeded by his nephew Domenico Bonsi - coadjutor bishop of the same diocese, followed by other members of De Bonsi family.
Cardinalate
Jean de Bonsi was created cardinal priest in the consistory of August 17, 1611 by Pope Paul V. Later in1615 he received the red hat and was appointed to the title of S.Clemente until 1621 when he was opted for the title of Sant'Eusebio for about six months before his death on July 4, 1621, Rome.
