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Francesco Sfondrati | |
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| Born | 26 October 1493 |
| Died | 31 July 1550 (aged 56) |
| Burial place | Cremona Cathedral |
| Spouse | Anna Visconti |
| Children | Niccolò, 6 others |
| Parent | Giovanni Battista Sfondrati Margherita Homodeo |
Francesco Sfondrati (1493–1550) was a professor of law at a series of Italian universities, and held important positions as a counselor of Emperor Charles V. He married Anna Visconti, with whom he had a number of children, one of which eventually became Pope Gregory XIV.
His wife died in 1538. After making provision for his children, he accepted Pope Paul III's invitation to enter the service of the Holy See. He held a number of curial appointments. He was made cardinal and in 1549 named bishop of Cremona.