Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (1468-1549) was an influential Italian churchman and politician during the Renaissance. He served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church and was a key figure in the Counter-Reformation. Farnese was known for his patronage of the arts and played a significant role in the development of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Farnese was born into the powerful Farnese family, which held significant political influence in Italy. He was appointed as the Cardinal of Santa Susanna and later became the Papal Legate to various regions. His contributions to the church and the arts left a lasting legacy in the history of the Catholic Church.