Saint Robert Bellarmine

Biography

Saint Robert Bellarmine, also known as Robert Francis Romulus Bellarmine, Roberto Bellarmino, and Roberto Francesco Romolo Cardinale Bellarmino, was born on 4 October 1542 in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy. He was the third child of Vincenzo Bellarmine and Cinzia Cervini, who came from a family of impoverished nobles. His mother, a niece of Pope Marcellus II, was known for her devoutness, engaging in almsgiving, prayer, meditation, fasting, and mortification. From a young age, Robert faced various health problems that persisted throughout his life. He received his education from the Jesuits as a boy and eventually joined the Society of Jesus on 20 September 1560, despite his father's opposition who wanted him to pursue a political career. He studied at various Jesuit centers, including the Collegio Romano, the University of Padua, and the University of Louvain. Robert Bellarmine was ordained as a priest on Palm Sunday in 1570 in Ghent, Belgium. He then served as a professor of theology at the University of Louvain from 1570 to 1576. Pope Gregory XIII requested him to teach polemical theology at the Collegio Romano from 1576 to 1587. During this time, he authored a significant work called Disputationes de Controversiis Christianae Fidei adversus hujus temporis hereticos, which became the most comprehensive defense of Catholicism against Protestant attacks. In addition to his theological works, Bellarmine also dedicated himself to the education of children. He served as a spiritual director for the Roman College and taught Jesuit students and other children. He wrote a children's catechism called Dottrina cristiana breve and a catechism for teachers called Dichiarazione piu copiosa della dottrina cristiana. One of Bellarmine's notable roles was being the confessor of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga until his death. After Gonzaga's passing, Bellarmine worked towards his canonization. In 1590, he traveled to France to defend the interests of the Church during a period of turmoil and conflict. In 1592, Bellarmine became a member of the commission responsible for the revision of the Vulgate Bible. He was then appointed as the rector of the Collegio Romano from 1592 to 1594. Later, he served as the Jesuit provincial in Naples, Italy, from 1594 to 1597. In 1597, Bellarmine became the theologian to Pope Clement VIII and also held the positions of examiner of bishops and consultor of the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition. He was particularly concerned with discipline among the bishops. Recognizing his contributions and dedication, Pope Clement VIII elevated Bellarmine to the position of a Cardinal-priest on 3 March 1598. Despite the newfound prestige, Bellarmine lived an austere life, giving most of his money to the poor. There is a famous anecdote that he used the tapestries in his living quarters to clothe the needy, stating that "the walls won't catch cold." Bellarmine was steadfast in defending the authority of the Apostolic See against anti-clericals in Venice and expressed concerns about the political tenets of King James I of England. He wrote extensively against the heresies of his time and held a fundamentally democratic view, believing that authority originates from God and is vested in the people, who entrust it to suitable rulers. This perspective caused tensions with the kings of both England and France. Throughout his life, Bellarmine was a trusted spiritual father to many. He played a pivotal role in helping Saint Francis de Sales obtain formal approval for the Visitation Order. He was known for his preaching skills, and his dedication to the Church's teachings and defense of Catholic faith was unwavering. On 18 March 1602, Bellarmine was appointed as the Archbishop of Capua, Italy. He also participated in the conclaves of 1605 and 1621, and he was even considered as a potential candidate for the position of Pope. He was a theological advisor to Pope Paul V and served as the head of the Vatican library, as well as the prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Rites and the Sacred Congregation of the Index. Bellarmine opposed action taken against Galileo Galilei in 1615, and he established a friendly correspondence with the scientist. However, he was ultimately forced to deliver the order for Galilei to submit to the Church's authority. On the morning of 17 September 1621, Saint Robert Bellarmine passed away in Rome due to natural causes. He was buried in Rome, and his relics were later translated to the church of Saint Ignatius in Rome on 21 June 1923. Saint Robert Bellarmine was beatified on 13 May 1923 by Pope Pius XI and canonized on 29 June 1930, making him a recognized saint in the Catholic Church. On 17 September 1931, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his significant contributions to theology and his exemplary life of faith. Saint Robert Bellarmine is revered as a patron saint of canon lawyers, canonists, catechism writers, catechists, catechumens, the Archdiocese of Capua in Italy, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in Ohio.