Francisco de Borja persecuted by the Inquisition
The inclusion of some of his own writings along with other people's, questioned by the Inquisition, provoked his persecution.
In December 1557, from his confinement in Yuste, Charles V called his old favourite, Francisco de Borja. In the first person, he verifies that the emperor does not have a good opinion of the Society of Jesus. The Archbishop of Toledo, Silíceo, and the theologian Melchor Cano have poisoned the good name of the Jesuits with their comments.
The return of Philip II to Spain in 1559, once Charles V died, supposes new and serious problems for Francisco de Borja, who does not enjoy the esteem of the new monarch.
These are times of struggle against the introduction of the new Lutheran currents. Inquisitor General Alonso Valdés, Archbishop of Seville, persecutes heretics to the point of arresting and imprisoning Bartolomé de Carranza, Archbishop of Toledo. Francisco de Borja defends Carranza publicly and this precipitates events.
The Jesuits, with Francisco de Borja at the head, are called upon to spiritually assist those accused in the Valladolid Auto de Fe in May 1559. Ana Enríquez, his daughter's sister-in-law, is one of those prosecuted.
A few months later, some of his works are included in a single volume along with others described as heretical. Such publication goes on to swell the Index of books prohibited by the Inquisition. Actually, there is nothing heretical in the writings of Francisco de Borja, but it is an excellent opportunity for Alonso Valdés to act against him and against the Order.
Francisco's fame is called into question and the shadow of prison hangs over the former Duke of Gandia. Before this happens, those closest to him prepare to flee. Taking advantage of a request from King Henry III of Portugal, Francisco manages to get out under the cover of secrecy and darkness. His destination will be Évora.
