BOVIO, GIOVANNI ANTONIO. - Carmelite theologian, born at Bellinzago in the Novarese district, died on 12 Aug. 1622 at Molfetta. Doctor of theology, regent of studies at Milan, Naples, and Rome (where he was also professor at the Sapienza), in 1598 he was appointed consultor of the Sacred Congregation of the Index and member of the Sacred Congregation De auxiliis. A staunch supporter of the Supreme Pontiff, ARPI (v.) in the famous struggle of Paul V against the Venetians concerning immunity. For the merits he acquired in this dispute, Paul V appointed him bishop of Molfetta in 1606.
As consultor of the Sacred Congregation De auxiliis, he played an important part in the celebrated controversy de efficacia gratiae between Dominicans and Jesuits. He declared himself opposed to the condemnation of Molina (v.) and, with a sense of balance, judged that neither should the Thomistic doctrine of physical predetermination be condemned.
Writings: Commentary on the whole of philosophy (manuscript in the Carmelite Library in Rome); De speculorum admirabili virtute (ibid.).