FRANCESCO CAPACGINI — Cardinal. Born in Rome on 14 August 1784, died there on 15 June 1845. Ordained priest on 19 September 1807, he devoted himself to the study of theology, physics, and astronomy. He spent some time in Milan as a tutor and was then sent to direct the Specola in Naples, where he remained until 1815. Returning to Rome, Cardinal Consalvi appointed him substitute in the Secretariat of Briefs. In 1828, as a legate, he traveled first to The Hague and then to Munich. In 1831 Gregory XVI named him, alongside Cardinal Bernetti, substitute of the Secretariat of State. For delicate diplomatic assignments, he went in 1837 to Vienna, Berlin, and Bonn. The following year he held the position of secretary of the Academy of Theology at the Roman University. In 1841 he visited the Low Countries and then again The Hague. From 1842 to 1844 he was sent to Lisbon as apostolic delegate. Upon his return, on 24 November 1844, he became Auditor of the Chamber, and finally, on 21 April 1845, cardinal for a brief period.
CAPACGINI, FRANCESCO
Bibl.: P. B. Gams, s. V. in Kirchenlexikon, II, cols. 1879-80; F. Lauchett, s. V. in LThK, II, col. 738.