Gaudenzio Bontempi of Brescia, OFM Cap. — Capuchin theologian. b. 1612, d. 25 March 1672.
Definitor and preacher, he is chiefly known in the history of theology for his work *Palladium theologicum, seu tota theologia scholastica... ad intimam mentem divi Bonaventurae* (7 vols. fol., Lyons 1676), published posthumously by his disciples and dedicated to King Louis XIV. B. stands out among those Capuchin authors who represent the Bonaventurian school. With a broad and profound exposition he arranges into a sum of theology—left incomplete in some treatises owing to his death—the doctrine of St Bonaventure, whose richness and relevance he vindicates with reference also to contemporary theologians outside the Order. While emphasizing the individuality of Bonaventure’s thought, he tends rather to bring it close to the doctrine of St Thomas, while displaying marked hostility toward the sceptical school. Some bibliographers also ascribe to him a commentary on the catechism of St Peter Canisius.