SALERNO, GIOVANNI BATTISTA. — Cardinal and Jesuit theologian, b. at Cosenza on 24 Jan. 1670, d. at Rome on 30 Jan. 1729.
After overcoming many difficulties, he entered the Society of Jesus at Naples in 1678; upon completing his theological studies at the Collegio Romano, he was appointed lecturer in controversies at the Greek College and in 1709 became professor of law at the German College. In 1710 Clement XI named him auditor, counsellor, and theologian to Cardinal Albani, whom he accompanied on a special mission to the court of Saxony. On that occasion, S., with the refined sensitivity of a diplomat combined with patience and zeal that inspired admiration, succeeded in converting the Elector of Saxony, Frederick Augustus III (27 Nov. 1712). Clement XI, in recognition of this great service, created him cardinal.
His principal work is *Specimen orientalis Ecclesiae ab origine ad Concilium Nicaenum* (Rome 1702); it is an apologetic essay in defence of the Catholic Church with a primarily irenical aim; it is rich in documents but lacking in critical analysis.