PIGNATELLI, FRANCESCO. - Cardinal, born in Napoli on 6 February 1652 and died there on 5 December 1734. Of the dukes of Monteleone, he entered the Theatine Order at a very young age (1669); he taught philosophy and theology in Roma and Madrid. Archbishop of Taranto from 27 September 1683. Innocenzo XII sent him, in the summer of 1700, as apostolic nuncio to Poland, where he remained until 1703, during a very confused and difficult period.
He worked successfully for the return of the Ruthenians to the bosom of the Catholic Church, later founding a seminary in Leopoli, dependent on the Congregation of Propaganda, in order to consolidate his work. Created archbishop of Napoli on 18 February 1703, then cardinal on 17 December by Clemente XI, he governed his diocese with considerable wisdom and energy until his death. Under him the last diocesan Council was celebrated (1726).