Pietro Caprano was born in Rome on February 28, 1759. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 23, 1782. He was a professor of moral theology, liturgy and church history at the roman college. Appointed titular bishop of Iconium in 1816, he worked as secretary for the Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith from March 11, 1823 to December 15, 1828 and was created cardinal in 1829.
Father de Mazenod went to see him on December 7, 1825 to alert him to the “favours” or indulgences that he had requested from the Holy Father. “This prelate received me very well,” he wrote in the diary entry of that day, “and promised me his assistance.” (Oblate Writings I, vol. 17, p. 44)
He saw him again on the 14th and the 19th of December and January 12 and 31. During Eugene’s April 15 audience with the Pope, the Pope found he no longer had any rosaries or medals and he promised to send the Founder some through Bishop Caprano who would be received in audience the following day. On April 21, Father de Mazenod went to the Propaganda to get his rosaries and medals and had a long conversation with Bishop Caprano. Their conversation revolved especially around the Greek Catholics in Marseilles. (Oblate Writings I, vol. 17, p. 144) Cardinal Caprano died on February 24, 1834.
Yvon Beaudoin, o.m.i.
