Latino Malabranca Orsini

Latino Malabranca Orsini (b. at Rome, year unknown – d. August 10, 1294, Perugia) was an Italian Cardinal-nephew of Pope Nicholas III.

He was son of Roman senator Angelo Malabranca and Mabilia Orsini, sister of Pope Nicholas III. He entered the Order of Preachers in his youth and studied law at University of Paris. He obtained the titles of doctor in law and "maestro" in theology. Then he became prior of the Dominican convent of S. Sabina in Rome and definitor of the provincial chapter in Orvieto. On March 12, 1278 he was created Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia e Velletri by his uncle Pope Nicholas III (1277-1280). At that same time he was named Inquisitor General and head of the Papal Inquisition; he succeeded his uncle in this post and occupied it until death. Vicar and governor of Rome during absence of Pope from July to November 1279. On May 20, 1285 he gave the episcopal consecration to the newly elected Pope Honorius IV. He became dean of the College of Cardinals in March 1289. He died shortly after the election of Pope Celestine V, which was largely due to him. He is venerated as blessed in his order.

References

*Henry Charles Lea "History of the Inquisition of the Middle Ages vol. 1", New York 1888
* [http://www.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios1278.htm#Malabranca The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church created in the consistory of March 12, 1278]