ACQUAVIVA, OTTAVIO, senior. – Cardinal, born in Naples in 1560, died there in 1612. Called to Rome by Sixtus V, he was appointed in 1589 as vice-legate of the Patrimony. Majordomo to Gregory XIII, he was created cardinal by the latter on 16 March 1591 and assigned as legate to Campania. Clement VIII sent him with the same duties in October 1593 to Avignon, where he reorganized the administration of justice and encountered no small difficulties from the Protestants.
During the period of his legation, the conversion of Henry IV took place. Returning to Rome in 1597, he was accorded solemn receptions by the populace and in 1605 was named by Leo XI archbishop of Naples. A zealous and charitable pastor, he distinguished himself especially in time of famine; he generously aided the poor, endowed the Monte di Pietà, increased the chapter’s revenues, and erected two convents for the Friars Minor. He left various manuscript works, including one on the Summa of St Thomas.