The Schoolmaster and the Bishop-Elect: Nicolò Cologno, Cosimo Gheri, and Catholic Reform in Northeastern Italy, 1530–39

This essay examines the efforts of schoolmaster Nicolò Cologno (c. 1511–1602) of Bergamo and Bishop-Elect Cosimo Gheri of Fano (1513–37) to provide education and pastoral care to those under their supervision, particularly in 1536–37 when they worked together. Both men received an excellent classical education and were fervent in their desire to promote Catholic reform, albeit in different ways. The content of the education of the bishop-elect’s three younger siblings, together with that of several other boys from the aristocracy, can be gleaned from correspondence to and from Cologno and Gheri during this period.