Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero, Spanish cardinal (d. 1709)

Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero y de Guzmán (8 January 1635, Palma del Río – 14 September 1709, Toledo, Spain) was a towering figure in the ecclesiastical and political landscape of late 17th and early 18th century Spain. A prominent Spanish prelate, he rose to the most esteemed ecclesiastical position in the country, serving as the Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo.

Born in Palma del Río, a municipality in the province of Córdoba, Portocarrero's trajectory led him to the historic city of Toledo, the ancient capital and spiritual heart of Spain. As the Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo, he held the title of Primate of Spain, a position that conferred immense spiritual authority and significant temporal influence over the entire Spanish Church. This office not only granted him considerable ecclesiastical power but also positioned him as a key advisor to the Spanish Crown, making him a central figure in the intricate politics of his era.

His career was deeply intertwined with the critical period leading up to and during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). Serving as an influential advisor to the last Habsburg monarch of Spain, King Charles II, Portocarrero played a pivotal role in the contentious issue of the royal succession. Initially, he harbored ambitions for a more independent Spanish path, but ultimately, he became a staunch advocate for the Bourbon claimant, Philip of Anjou (later King Felipe V of Spain), grandson of King Louis XIV of France. His crucial support helped pave the way for the establishment of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain, fundamentally altering the course of Spanish history.

Beyond his direct political and ecclesiastical roles, Cardinal Portocarrero's family was also intricately linked to the highest echelons of Spanish nobility. He was the uncle of Luis Antonio Tomás de Portocarrero y Moscoso, the 5th Count, a nobleman who achieved a highly prestigious distinction. In 1707, King Felipe V of Spain elevated the 5th Count to the esteemed rank of Grandee of Spain, noted as a 2nd class distinction. The title of Grandee was the highest dignity in the Spanish nobility, granting extraordinary privileges, such as the right to remain covered in the monarch's presence and to be addressed as 'cousin' by the King. This conferment by the newly established Bourbon monarch underscored the Portocarrero family's continued prominence and their strategic allegiance during a period of profound dynastic change in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cardinal Portocarrero

Who was Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero y de Guzmán?

He was a highly influential Spanish prelate and politician who served as the Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He played a crucial role in the succession crisis that led to the War of the Spanish Succession and the establishment of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain.

What was the significance of his role as Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo?

As Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo, he held the title of Primate of Spain, making him the highest-ranking ecclesiastical figure in the country. This position granted him vast spiritual authority and significant political influence, often acting as a key advisor to the Spanish monarch.

What was his involvement in the War of the Spanish Succession?

Cardinal Portocarrero was a central figure in the succession crisis following the death of King Charles II. He was instrumental in advocating for the Bourbon candidate, Philip of Anjou (Felipe V), and his support helped secure the Bourbon succession to the Spanish throne, despite strong opposition from other European powers, which led to the War of the Spanish Succession.

What does it mean to be a "Grandee of Spain"?

A Grandee of Spain is a title of the highest dignity within the Spanish nobility, conferring exceptional privileges and status, such as the right to remain covered in the presence of the monarch. It signifies a family's prominent and historically significant standing within the kingdom.