Petroni, Riccardo (Richardus de Senis)

PETRONI, Riccardo (Richardus de Senis). - Cardinal, jurist, b. in Siena in 1250 of an illustrious and noble family, d. in Genoa on 10 (or 26) February 1314.

After completing his studies in law at Bologna, he was called to teach Roman law at Naples around 1270. Boniface VIII appointed him vice-chancellor of the Holy Roman Church and entrusted him, together with Guglielmo Mandagozzo and Berengario Fredoli, with a new compilation of the Decretals and the drafting of the Liber Sextus, after the promulgation of which he was created cardinal of the deaconry of St. Eustachio (4 December 1298). Ciacconio and others accused him of having favored his fellow countryman Musciatto and the other conspirators against Boniface in the dispute with Philip the Fair and in the attack at Anagni. Oldoino denies the charge or thinks that P. repented, because at the Council of Vienne he defended the memory of the Pope. Digard proves P.'s guilt (connection with Musciatto, attempt to flee from Anagni after the popular reaction and his refuge in a convent) and alludes to his change of heart (failure to accept Philip's invitation to convoke a Council at Lyon for the condemnation of Boniface). Clement V sent him as apostolic legate to Genoa, where he died. He is buried in the cathedral of Siena in the celebrated sarcophagus with continuous narratives by Tino da Camaino. He was a patron and benefactor; he had monasteries, hospitals and churches built in the territory of Siena. Of his legal studies there remain twenty-six glosses on the codices Vatt. latt. 1413 (Digest) and 1428 (Code), published by Meyers, and the Casus libri Sexti. He was also an inquisitor against the sect of the Dulcinists.

Augusto Moreschini