Almo Collegio Capranica
Encyclopedia
The Almo Collegio Capranica is the oldest Roman college, founded in 1457 by Cardinal Domenico Capranica
in his own palace for 31 young clerics, who received an education suitable for the formation of good priests. Capranica himself drew up their rules and presented the college with his own library, the more valuable portion of which was later transferred to the Vatican. The cardinal's brother, Angelo Capranica, erected opposite his own palace a suitable house for the students.
When the Constable de Bourbon
laid siege to Rome in 1527 the Capranica students were among the few defenders of the Porta di S. Spirito, and all of them with their rector fell at the breach. The rector according to the university custom of those days was elected by the students and was always one of themselves. Pope Alexander VII
decided that the rector should be appointed by the protectors of the college.
After the French Revolution the college was re-established in 1807; the number of free students was reduced to 13, but paying students were admitted. Currently the College has over 50 students.
The Capranica has produced many notable ecclesiastics, including among is its alumni Popes Benedict XV and Pius XII
, and numerous Cardinals.
Domenico Capranica
Domenico Capranica was an Italian theologian, canonist, statesman, and Cardinal.He was born in Capranica Prenestina. After studies in canon and civil law at Padua and Bologna, under teachers probably including Giuliano Cesarini, he received the title of Doctor of Both Laws at the age of twenty-one...
in his own palace for 31 young clerics, who received an education suitable for the formation of good priests. Capranica himself drew up their rules and presented the college with his own library, the more valuable portion of which was later transferred to the Vatican. The cardinal's brother, Angelo Capranica, erected opposite his own palace a suitable house for the students.
When the Constable de Bourbon
Constable de Bourbon
The term Constable de Bourbon might refer to any of the following Constables of France:*Jacques de Bourbon, Count of La Marche, constable 1354–1356, killed at the Battle of Brignais*Jean II de Bourbon, Duke of Bourbon, constable 1483...
laid siege to Rome in 1527 the Capranica students were among the few defenders of the Porta di S. Spirito, and all of them with their rector fell at the breach. The rector according to the university custom of those days was elected by the students and was always one of themselves. Pope Alexander VII
Pope Alexander VII
Pope Alexander VII , born Fabio Chigi, was Pope from 7 April 1655, until his death.- Early life :Born in Siena, a member of the illustrious banking family of Chigi and a great-nephew of Pope Paul V , he was privately tutored and eventually received doctorates of philosophy, law, and theology from...
decided that the rector should be appointed by the protectors of the college.
After the French Revolution the college was re-established in 1807; the number of free students was reduced to 13, but paying students were admitted. Currently the College has over 50 students.
The Capranica has produced many notable ecclesiastics, including among is its alumni Popes Benedict XV and Pius XII
Pope Pius XII
The Venerable Pope Pius XII , born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli , reigned as Pope, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City State, from 2 March 1939 until his death in 1958....
, and numerous Cardinals.
Alumni
- Card Pietro Pavan (1903–1994)
- Card Antonio VicoAntonio VicoAntonio Vico S.T.D. J.U.D. was a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and Prefect of the Congregation of Rites.Vico was born in Agugliano, Italy...
(1847–1929) - Card Alessandro Sanminiatelli ZabarellaAlessandro Sanminiatelli ZabarellaAlessandro Sanminiatelli Zabarella was an Italian Cardinal of the Catholic Church who served as Latin Patriarch of Constantinople from 1889 until 1901, when he was elevated to the cardinalate.-Biography:...
(1840 — 1910) - Arch Alfonso Carinci (1862–1963) Secretary S.C. dei Riti (1945–1960) Rector of the Capranica (1911–1930)