Pedro de la Gasca

Timeline

1. 1485–1546Salamanca · EuropeGasca was born in the province of Ávila, Spain, studied at the University of Salamanca, earning degrees in theology and law, and thereafter held posts in the Spanish Church and the Inquisition. He served in various administrative and diplomatic roles and won the favor of Charles V through his rigorous legal learning and superb diplomatic skill. Before going to Peru he had already earned a reputation through his handling of religious heresy affairs in Catalonia.
2. 1546–1548Lima / Cusco · South AmericaIn 1544 the newly promulgated New Laws (Las Leyes Nuevas) restricted the conquerors' encomienda rights, sparking a large-scale rebellion led by Gonzalo Pizarro, whose forces killed the governor Blasco Núñez Vela. In 1546 Charles V dispatched Gasca to Peru carrying blank pardons; he skillfully used a policy of general amnesty to gradually dissolve the rebel forces, causing many commanders to defect one after another. On 9 April 1548, at the Battle of Sacsayhuaman near Cusco, Gasca brought about the collapse of Gonzalo Pizarro's army almost without bloodshed; the latter was captured and executed the next day.
3. 1548–1550Lima · South AmericaAfter quelling the rebellion, Gasca oversaw the redistribution of Peru's encomiendas, restoring royal control over the colony to some extent while conciliating the conquerors loyal to the crown. He worked to implement a relatively fair administrative system; though he could not fully enforce the New Laws, he effectively curbed the worst exploitation of the Indians by local powers. In 1550 Gasca returned to Spain with great wealth, handing it over to the royal treasury and keeping none for himself, an act that won him extremely high reputation.
4. 1551–1567Palencia · EuropeAfter returning to Spain, Gasca was successively appointed Bishop of Sigüenza (1551) and Bishop of Palencia (1561), continuing to exert influence in church affairs. He participated in the follow-up implementation of the Council of Trent and patronized education at the University of Palencia. His life was marked by integrity and competence; he entered history as 'the Peacemaker' and died in Palencia on 10 November 1567.