Francesco Gonzaga, during Annibale’s time, was born in Gazzuolo in 1546. He grew up under the tutelage of Marquis Ercole Gonzaga and entered the Order of Friars Minor, becoming a priest in 1570. A few years later, he was elected Minister General of the Order and, in 1587, he was appointed bishop of Cefalù. When he arrived in the town the following year, he devoted himself to the renovation of the Episcopal Palace, as well as to other refurbishments inside the Cathedral.
After this assignment, he was appointed bishop in Pavia, Mantua and apostolic nuncio in France. He died in Mantua in 1620.
