Matteo Rosso Orsini (cardinal)

Matteo Rosso Orsini (died 1262) was an Italian Roman Catholic cardinal. A member of the powerful Orsini family, he served as Cardinal Deacon of Santa Maria in Portico Octaviae from 1238 until his death. He was a significant figure in papal politics during the mid-13th century, acting as a papal legate on several occasions, including missions to Genoa and Germany.

Orsini played a key role in various papal elections, notably participating in the prolonged and contentious papal election of 1241 following the death of Pope Gregory IX, where his influence and the power of the Orsini family were evident. He also participated in the papal election of 1254, which resulted in the election of Pope Alexander IV.

Known for his diplomatic skills and political acumen, Orsini's career was marked by his dedication to the interests of the papacy and his family's considerable influence within the Roman political landscape. He was a prominent figure in the struggles between the papacy and the Holy Roman Emperors during his time. His death in 1262 marked the end of a long and influential career within the College of Cardinals.