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Abstract: THE “GIUSTA STADERA DE’ PORPORATI”. THE COMPOSITION OF THE SACRO COLLEGIO IN THE FIRTS HALF OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY How did one become a cardinal in the seventeenth century? This essay proposes to analyze the motives behind the nomination of cardinals during the pontificate of Urban VIII (1623-1644), a crucial period of European history in which the continent was torn apart by the Thirty Years War. The study involves the analysis of many documents from disparate geographical areas, as well as an investigation of the cardinals’ families, their birthplace and their reciprocal relations. What emerges is a complex picture of the Sacro Collegio, reflecting the ties which existed between the ancient Italian states and the underlying political pacts (parties in favor of or against the Spanish monarchy). The study also singles out the “service” capability in the curia of various cardinals, which was brought about by personal loyalty to the Pope’s house and the mercenary nature of certain appointments.