ALFONSO LÓBO. - Spanish preacher of the second half of the 16th century, first a Discalced Franciscan friar, then a Capuchin, born in Medina (Andalusia), died in Barcelona, most probably in 1593. Already famous throughout Spain for his preaching, in 1573 he came to Italy and, having entered the Capuchins, continued to captivate the masses with his fiery eloquence, which was accredited by his virtue. His success was such that the saying of Gregory XIII became proverbial: "Toletus docet, Panigarola delectat, Lupus (L.) movet."
L. enjoyed the favor of St. Pius V and Gregory XIII. He was a very close friend of St. Philip Neri, who had him preach the first Lenten sermons in the Chiesa Nuova (S. Maria in Vallicella), newly opened to the public. The cities of Italy vied for him, and St. Charles Borromeo wanted him in Milan, hoping for many such "wolves" to guard his flock. Federico Borromeo called him: "The foremost sacred orator of his time, and perhaps of all times."