PETRONI, RICCARDO (Richardus de Senis). — Cardinal and jurist, born in Siena in 1250 to an illustrious and noble family, died in Genoa on 10 (or 26) February 1314.
Having completed his studies of 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 preparation of the Liber Sextus; after its promulgation, he was created cardinal of the deaconry of S. 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 Filippo il Bello 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 (his relations with Musciatto, his attempt to flee Anagni after the popular reaction, and his refuge in a convent) and points to his change of position (his failure to accept Filippo’s invitation to convene at Lyon a Council 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 narrative scenes by Tino da Camaino. He was a patron and benefactor; he had monasteries, hospitals, and churches built in the Sienese territory. Of his juridical studies, twenty-six glosses to the codd. Vatt. latt. 1413 (Digesto) and 1428 (Codice), published by Meyers, and the Casus libri Sexti remain. He was also an inquisitor against the sect of the Dulcinians.