STEFANO BORGIA. — Cardinal. Born at Velletri on 3 Dec. 1731, died en route to Lyons on 23 Nov. 1804. He was raised by his uncle Alessandro B., archbishop of Fermo, and in 1758 was sent by Clement XIII as governor to Benevento. Returning to Rome in 1764, he first served as secretary of the Congregation of the Index, then for 19 years of that of Propaganda, working assiduously for the advancement of its Urban College and especially of its printing press. On 30 March 1789 he was created cardinal by Pius VI with the title of S. Clemente.
When Rome was occupied by the French (18 Feb. 1798) he was arrested and then forced to leave the city in exile. He took part in the Venetian conclave of 1799, and in 1802 became prefect of Propaganda, continuing his zealous work on behalf of the missions which he had never abandoned. In October 1804 he was invited by Pius VII to accompany him to Paris for Napoleon’s coronation; he accepted gladly, died during the journey, and was buried at Lyons.
From his youth he devoted himself to archaeological studies and founded at Velletri a most interesting museum with a library, later transferred to the Vatican. He was very generous to scholars, providing them with all the means they required and assisting them financially for the publication of their works. He himself wrote learned works much esteemed; among others: *Breve istoria dell’antica città di Tadino* (Rome 1751); *Istoria della città di Benevento* (3 vols., ibid. 1763–69); *Vaticana confessio s. Petri chronologici testimoni illustrata* (ibid. 1776). He maintained active relations with foreign scholars, including Protestants.