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Matthäus Schiner
Swiss diplomat
Quick Facts
Matthäus Schiner (born c. 1465, Mühlebach, Switz.—died Oct. 1, 1522, Rome) was a Swiss prelate, papal diplomat, and intimate counsellor of the Holy Roman emperor Charles V; he worked to preserve the freedom of the Papal States from French domination. Consecrated bishop of Sion in 1499, Schiner soon established himself as a master of diplomacy. He helped secure Bellinzona and the Blenio Valley for the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Nidwalden (Treaty of Arona, 1503) and acted on behalf of Pope Julius II to obtain the support of Swiss mercenaries against King Louis XII of France. Created cardinal in March ...(100 of 251 words)