CHAPTER IV.

GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI’S CARDINALSHIP.

Innocent VIII. and Franceschetto Cybò—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Intercession for Franceschetto—Giovanni de’ Medici and Church Benefices—The Abbeys of Passignano and Monte Cassino—The Dignity of Cardinal—Giovanni Lanfredini—Lorenzo’s Impatience at the Pope’s Hesitation—Giovanni de’ Medici created Cardinal—Rejoicings in Florence—Lorenzo’s Thanksgiving—Impression made by the Nomination—Death of Giovanni Lanfredini—Canonisation of Archbishop Antoninus 394