Federico Borromeo was born in Milan as the second son of Giulio Cesare Borromeo, Count of Arona, and Margherita Trivulzio. The family was influential in both the secular and ecclesiastical spheres; Charles Borromeo was his cousin. While at his service, Aquilino Coppini published in 1607 his book of sacred madrigals with contrafacta texts prepared by him, based on works by Claudio Monteverdi and others. He is most notable for his efforts to feed the poor of Milan during the great famine of 1627-1628. He took part in eight conclaves.