Gasparo Contarini

Gasparo Contarini was an Italian diplomat, cardinal, and Bishop of Belluno. He advocated for dialogue with Protestants during the Reformation. Born in Venice, he served as the Republic's ambassador to Charles V during its war with him. He was the first to explain the time discrepancy in the Magellan–Elcano circumnavigation due to Earth's rotation. He participated in diplomatic efforts and reconciliations, and became a cardinal, even though he was initially a layman. Contarini was a leader in the reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church. He played a role in the papal approval of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He was also involved in attempts to restore religious unity in Germany.

16 October 1483

Born on the same birth day (16 October): David Zucker • Ed Valigursky • Halimah Nakaayi • Jan Dismas Zelenka • Luke Wadding • Maria Pia of Savoy • Marin Alsop • Randy Vasquez • Rembrandt Bugatti • Rosa Rosal • Tom Tolbert