Gil Álvarez Carrillo de Albornoz

Gil Álvarez Carrillo de Albornoz, also known as Egidio Álvarez de Albornoz y Luna, was a prominent Spanish curial cardinal and archbishop of Toledo, serving from May 13, 1338, to December 17, 1350. Born around 1295 to 1310 in Carrascosa del Campo, Spain, he was raised in Zaragoza and educated in law at Toulouse, where he honed his skills that would later serve him in both ecclesiastical and military roles.

As archbishop, Albornoz convened two reform synods and showcased his military acumen during the Battle of Río Salado in 1340, where he defended against a Marinid invasion from Morocco. His leadership was further exemplified in 1344 during the successful siege of Algeciras, where he commanded the armed forces of his archbishopric.

In 1350, Pope Clement VI recognized Albornoz's talents by appointing him cardinal-priest of S. Clemente. His subsequent role as grand penitentiary under Pope Innocent VI earned him the moniker 'Angel of Peace,' a title that would later seem ironic as he led military campaigns in the Papal States. His efforts in Italy were marked by a series of successful campaigns aimed at restoring papal authority, during which he issued the Constitutiones Sanctæ Matris Ecclesiæ, a significant regulatory framework for the Papal States.

Despite his military successes, Albornoz's campaigns did not bring lasting peace to Italy, as conflicts persisted. Nevertheless, his contributions to education were notable; in 1364, he founded the College of Saint Clement in Bologna, aimed at supporting Castilian, Aragonese, and Portuguese students. Albornoz's legacy is further enriched by his descent from the kings of León and Aragón and his role in establishing the Collegio di Spagna in Bologna.