Antamoro, Paolo Francesco

ANTAMORO, PAOLO FRANCESCO. - Cardinal, b. in Rome on 15 Nov. 1712, d. there on 15 Dec. 1795. Of an ancient patrician family, he was the son of Tommaso Antamoro, who was vice-lieutenant of the Apostolic Chamber, general administrator of the secretariat of the Monti and rector of the Roman University from 1741 to 1745. In the governance of the Sapienza, Tommaso was assisted by his son who, enrolled in the college of consistorial advocates, was named rector of the Archiginnasio in 1760. He held that office uninterruptedly for twenty years, a case thus far unique in the history of the Studium Urbis, and he won the esteem of the lecturers and the affection of his pupils.

Appointed by Pius VI as assessor of the Holy Office, at the Pontiff's wish he continued to govern the Roman University, until in 1780 he was created cardinal of the title of Sts. Boniface and Alexis on the Aventine and at the same time elected bishop of Orvieto. Having reached his see, although he was already advanced in age, he devoted his energies to the diocese with youthful fervor. He expended almost all his means on the restoration of the facade of the Cathedral, a work promoted with the help of Pius VI. He also had an artistic altar of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul erected.