Antonio Francesco Vezzosi

Member of the Theatine Congregation and biographical writer, born at Arezzo, Italy, 4 October, 1708; died in Rome, 29 May, 1783. At an early age he determined to devote himself entirely to the service of God and in 1731 he entered the Theatine Congregation. On account of his unusual abilities he was appointed professor of philosophy at the seminary at Rimini (1736-38). In 1742 he was sent to Rome as professor of theology at San Andrea della Valle. While here he became favourably known for his fine scholarship and loyal orthodoxy. His superiors entrusted him, therefore, with the editing of the collected works of Cardinal Tommasi (11 vols., Rome, 1749-69). The attention of Benedict XIV was thus called to him, and in 1753 the pope appointed him professor of church history at the College of the Sapienza and examiner of candidates for the episcopal office. Later he was also elected general of his congregation. Among his publications are an oration on Leo X, "De laudibus Leonis" (Rome, 1752), and the biographical work, excellent for that era and still useful, "I scrittori de' Chierici regolari detti Teatini" (2 vols., Rome, 1780), which forms the basis of the "Bibliotheca Teatina" of P. Silvos.