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Pietro, Michele D

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an Italian prelate of note, was born January 18, 1747, at Albano. After defending in public disputation at Rome with great success some theological propositions, he was appointed professor of ecclesiastical history in the Gregorian university, and of canonical law at the Roman archi-gymnasium. He took an important share in the work of the congregation which examined the decisions of the Synod of Pistoja favorable to Jansenism, and contributed with the learned Gerdil to the redaction of the bull Auctorem fidei (1794). Pius VI, when he left Rome (1798), made him apostolical legate; and he had to give his advice in many a delicate question; for instance, in that of the oath of hatred against royalty which was exacted from French clergymen. Pius VII appointed him successively patriarch of Jerusalem, cardinal (February 23, 1801), and prefect of the Propaganda. When this pontiff was forced to leave Rome (1809), Pietro was chosen to occupy his place; but he was soon compelled to betake himself to Paris, and upon his refusal to attend the religious celebration of Napoleon's marriage with Maria Louisa, he was punished with banishment, loss of the ensigns of his dignities, and confiscation of his income. Relegated to Saumur with cardinals Gabrielli and Oprizzoni, confined in 1810 in the dungeon of Vincennes, he joined the pope in 1813 at Fontainebleau, and was again separated from him in January 1814. The political situlation finally allowed him to return to Rome, and he became grand penitentiary, prefect of the Index, bishop of Albano (1816), and of Porto and Santa-Ruffine (1820). He died at Rome July 2, 1821. This prelate, remarkable for his circumspection and flexibility, was considered one of the luminaries of the Sacred College, for his theological lore and administrative abilities. — Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, 40:205.