Background
Francesco Crasso was born in Milan in 1500, the son of Pietro Antonio Crasso, a Milanese noble related to the signoria of Zibido San Giacomo and Lambro.
Francesco Crasso was born in Milan in 1500, the son of Pietro Antonio Crasso, a Milanese noble related to the signoria of Zibido San Giacomo and Lambro.
He was educated in Milan, becoming a doctor of both laws.
He became president of the Magistrato delle entrate in 1548. He was a counselor of Philip II of Spain, who held the title of Duke of Milan. He became governor of Siena and Cremona.
He was the ambassador of the Duchy of Milan to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.
Crasso was married and had several children. He also became a referendary of the Apostolic Signatura.
On January 5, 1565, the pope named him governor of Bologna. Upon the suggestion of Charles Borromeo, Pope Pius IV made Crasso a cardinal deacon in the consistory of March 12, 1565.
On October 26, 1565, he opted for the order of cardinal priests.
He participated in the papal conclave of 1565-1566 that elected Pope Pius V. He received the red hat and the titular church of Santa Lucia in Septisolio (a deaconry raised to the status of title pro illa vice) on February 8, 1566. On March 6, 1566, he opted for the titular church of Sant"Euphemia. He died in Rome on August 29, 1566.
He was buried in the Franciscan church of Santa Maria della Pace in Milan.
On December 28, 1535, he became a member of the Senate of Milan.