In 1627 Pope Urban VIII founded the Collegio di Propaganda Fide (also known as Collegio Urbano) to prepare missionaries for their activities. It also served as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church missionary programs, since they were becoming increasingly important. Bernini, Father Valerio, and Gaspare de’ Vecchi worked on the building at different periods. In 1646 a large tract of land adjoining the property was acquired and Borromini was commissioned to design the new buildings.