Francesco Martelli (bishop)

Francesco Martelli (1519-1586) was an Italian Roman Catholic bishop and papal diplomat. He served as Bishop of Narni from 1560 until his death.

Martelli was born in Florence. He was a member of the Florentine Martelli family, known for their patronage of the arts and close ties to the Medici. He was appointed Bishop of Narni by Pope Pius IV.

During his episcopate, Martelli participated in the final sessions of the Council of Trent. He was a strong proponent of the reforms enacted by the Council and worked to implement them in his diocese. He was actively involved in efforts to combat the spread of Protestantism.

Martelli also served as a papal nuncio to various European courts, including those of Spain and Portugal. He was entrusted with sensitive diplomatic missions on behalf of the papacy. He worked to strengthen the Catholic Church's relationships with these powerful nations and to promote Catholic interests in the face of political and religious challenges.

His contributions to the Council of Trent, his efforts in implementing reform within his diocese, and his diplomatic service to the papacy mark him as a significant figure in the history of the Counter-Reformation.