Bio

The son of a wealthy merchant, Spada (b. 1594) was educated in Bologna, Perugia, and Rome, earning degress in law and literature, during which time he also took holy orders. Spada served on the papal curia in various capacities from 1617 until 1623, when he succeeded Guido Bentivoglio as the papal nuncio to France, the ambassador of the Holy See to the king; he was named titular archbishop of the ancient diocese of Damiata before being dispatched to France.

Spada is well-received by the dévots of the French court.