ACQUAVIVA, OTTAVIO, senior. - Cardinal born in Naples in 1560, died there in 1612. Called to Rome by Sisto V, he was appointed, in 1589, vice-legate of the Patrimony. Majordomo to Gregorio XIII, he was created cardinal by him on 16 March 1591 and appointed legate of Campania. Clemente VIII sent him with the same duties to Avignon in October 1593, where he reorganized the administration of justice and encountered considerable difficulties from the Protestants.
During the period of his delegation, the conversion of Enrico IV took place. Having returned to Rome in 1597, he received a solemn welcome from the population and was appointed archbishop of Naples in 1605 by Leone XI. A zealous and charitable pastor, he distinguished himself especially during the famine; he diligently assisted the poor, endowed the Monte di Pietà, increased the revenues of the chapter, and founded two convents for the Friars Minor. He left several manuscript works, among them one on the Summa of St Thomas.