St Charles Borromeo Art Photos

St Charles Borromeo (1538-84) was born into a high ranking Italian family and well educated. Upon completing his doctorate, he was called to the Vatican by his uncle, Pope Pius IV where he held several important positions and with his skills and determination kept the Council of Trent from dissolving. He was consecrated a Cardinal/ Archbishop of Milan in 1563. As Bishop, Borromeo instituted radical church reforms, often in the face of great opposition from those who had benefited from the old ways. When plague struck Milan, he remained in the city, personally ministered to the afflicted, and ran up huge debts caring for the thousands of sick, dying and dead.
Symbols: scenes of Borromeo ministering to plague victims; word humilitas crowned; cord loosely around his neck; red robes - sometimes Cardinal's red hat.