BOVIO, GIOVANNI ANTONIO. – Carmelite theologian, born at Bellinzago in the Novarese region, died on 12 August 1622 at Molfetta. Doctor in theology, regent of studies in 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, he resolutely opposed Sarpi (q.v.) in the famous dispute between Paul V and the Venetians regarding immunity. For the merits acquired in this controversy, Paul V in 1606 named him bishop of Molfetta.
As consultor of the Sacred Congregation De auxiliis, he played an important role in the celebrated controversy de efficacia gratiae between the Dominicans and the Jesuits. He declared himself opposed to the condemnation of Molina (q.v.) and, with a sense of balance, judged that the doctrine of physical predetermination should not be condemned either.
Writings: Commentario di tutta la filosofia (ms. in the Carmelite Library in Rome); De speculorum admirabili virtute (ibid.).