Saint Robert Francis Romulus Bellarmine

Bellarmine, Saint Robert Francis Romulus (1542–1621), theologian known for his opposition to Protestant Reformation doctrines. An Italian Jesuit, Saint Bellarmine was regarded by the Roman Catholic church as a key defender of the church's rights in an age when royal absolutism reigned. In 1560, he joined the Jesuit order. He became a cardinal (1599) and then archbishop of Capua (1602). A theology professor at the University of Louvain, Bellarmine was a prolific author. He was passionate about helping the poor, and gave all his money to those less fortunate, dying a pauper. Bellarmine was canonized in 1930. His feast day is May 17.

See also: Roman Catholic Church.