Jorge da Costa

Who was Jorge da Costa?

Dom Jorge da Costa was a Portuguese Cardinal. Born in Alpedrinha, Fundão, he is often called the Cardinal of Alpedrinha. He was one of many children of Martim Vaz and wife Catarina Gonçalves. He made benefits to all his brothers and sisters.

He held a very large number of ecclesiastical offices. He was Archbishop of Lisbon 1464-1500 and 108th Archbishop of Braga 1486-1501.

He was the confessor of Afonso V of Portugal. From 1478 he was in exile in Rome, having clashed with John II of Portugal, at that point in power though not yet reigning. He died a centenarian in Rome. He is buried in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in the Costa Chapel that he purchased in 1488 and furnished with high quality works of art.