MICARA, LUDOVICO. - Cardinal, b. at Frascati on 12 Oct. 1775, d. at Rome on 24 May 1847. Having entered the Capuchin Friars Minor at an early age, he attained the office of Minister General. A highly esteemed preacher, he travelled through the principal cities of Italy, distinguishing himself by his warm eloquence and profound learning. Pius VII, in 1820, appointed him Apostolic Preacher, and Leo XII, on 20 Dec. 1824, created him cardinal in pectore, publishing the appointment on 13 March 1826, assigning him the title of SS. Quattro Coronati. For some time he still retained the general office of his Order.
In 1837 he opted for the suburbicarian see of Frascati, where he founded the civic hospital and the Tuscolana Academy, and gave notable examples of charity and pastoral zeal.
Gregory XVI appointed him Prefect of the Congregation of Rites, and in 1843, having become Sub-Dean of the Sacred College, he declined to opt for the suburbicarian see of Porto, Santa Rufina and Civitavecchia, preferring to remain bishop of his native city. Dean of the Sacred College and Bishop of Ostia and Velletri from 1844, two years later he played a very notable part in the Conclave in which Pius IX was elected. Even as cardinal he continued to live with the Capuchin Friars in the Roman convent at Piazza Barberini.