CAPECE ZURLO, GIUSEPPE. - Cardinal, b. in Napoli on 3 Jan. 1711, d. there on 31 Dec. 1801. Of noble family, he entered the Congregation of the Theatines, showing great attachment to religious life and a profound interest in studies, which he pursued brilliantly until obtaining university degrees.
Appointed bishop of Calvi, he was then created cardinal in 1782 and, on 16 Dec. of the same year, archbishop of Napoli. During the events of 1799 he also proved to be a man of action, adopting a resolute attitude even toward the fugitive sovereign, as occurred aboard the «Vanguard», when C. urged Ferdinando IV to place himself at the head of his subjects and defend the institutions and traditions of the fatherland with arms in hand. During the Neapolitan Republic, C. continued to concern himself especially with the needs of the people, apart from every dynastic and political question. This was harshly held against him at the Restoration, resulting in his exile to the monastery of Montevergine, where he died at the age of 90.