Sacred Atlas logoSacred Atlas

Benvenutus Scotivoli

Benvenutus Scotivoli was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Osimo. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Martin IV and is recognized as the patron saint of Osimo.

Country Or Region
Italy

Key Facts

  • Benvenutus Scotivoli was born in Ancona in the 1200s.
  • He studied jurisprudence at the Bologna college with Silvestro Gozzolini.
  • Scotivoli was appointed Bishop of Osimo on March 13, 1264, by Pope Urban IV.
  • He ordained Nicholas of Tolentino to the priesthood in 1269.
  • He died on March 22, 1284, and was buried in the Osimo Cathedral.
  • Pope Martin IV canonized him in 1284.
Birth Year
1200s
Death Year
1284
Manner of Death
Venerated In
Role Type
Patronage

Osimo

Religious Order
Symbols

Dark Capuche Sewn To A Lambskin

Canonized By
Pope Martin IV
Canonization Year
1284
Relics Location
Osimo Cathedral

About Benvenutus Scotivoli

Benvenutus Scotivoli was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Osimo from 1264 until his death on March 22, 1282. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Martin IV in 1284 and has been venerated as the patron saint of Osimo since 1755.

Life and Ministry

Born in Ancona in the 1200s, Benvenutus Scotivoli pursued his studies at the Bologna college, where he studied jurisprudence under Silvestro Gozzolini. Upon his return to his hometown, he was ordained to the priesthood. His ecclesiastical career advanced as he became the archdeacon of Ancona and later its apostolic administrator on August 1, 1263. Subsequently, Pope Urban IV appointed him as the Bishop of Osimo on March 13, 1264.

During his episcopacy, Scotivoli took significant administrative and disciplinary actions. In 1269, he ordained Nicholas of Tolentino to the priesthood. On January 15, 1270, he issued an order for the San Fiorenzo convent in Posciavalle to sell all its assets. A diocesan synod on February 7, 1273, saw him implement a ban on the sale of all church properties. Furthermore, on February 24, 1274, Scotivoli rescinded the excommunication of Ripatransone, acting on the orders of Pope Gregory X, which had been instituted by the Bishop of Fermo.

Benvenutus Scotivoli died on March 22, 1282, and was initially buried in the Osimo Cathedral. His remains were later moved to the crypt in July 1590.

Canonization and Veneration

His sanctity was formally recognized when Pope Martin IV canonized him in 1284. The civic authorities of Osimo officially acknowledged him as their patron saint in 1755, solidifying his place in the devotional life of the region.

Franciscan Discrepancies

An intriguing aspect of his veneration involves a potential connection to the Franciscan order. The discovery of a dark capuche sewn to a lambskin during an inspection of his tomb led biographer Jean Baldi to assert that Scotivoli was a Franciscan, a proposition that gained acceptance. However, in 1765, the Osimo priest Pannelli contended that Scotivoli was not a Franciscan. Despite this historical debate, the saint continues to be recognized on the Franciscan calendar.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Benvenutus Scotivoli live?

Benvenutus Scotivoli was born sometime in the 1200s in Ancona and died on March 22, 1284. His primary period of activity was in the 13th century.

What was Benvenutus Scotivoli's role in the Church?

Benvenutus Scotivoli served as a priest and later as the Bishop of Osimo from 1264 until his death. He also served as the archdeacon and apostolic administrator of Ancona.

Who canonized Benvenutus Scotivoli?

Pope Martin IV canonized Benvenutus Scotivoli as a saint in 1284, two years after Scotivoli's death.

Is Benvenutus Scotivoli a patron saint?

Yes, Benvenutus Scotivoli has been the patron saint of Osimo since 1755, when the civic authorities officially recognized him as such.

Was Benvenutus Scotivoli a Franciscan?

While the discovery of a dark capuche sewn to a lambskin in his tomb led some, like biographer Jean Baldi, to assert he was a Franciscan, the Osimo priest Pannelli contended in 1765 that he was not. Despite this, he is still recognized on the Franciscan calendar.