Pietro La Fontaine

The Servant of God Pietro Cardinal La Fontaine (29 November 1860 - 9 July 1935) was an Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Roman Curia in Vatican City, and Patriarch of Venice.

Pietro La Fontaine was born in 1860 in Viterbo, Italy and was ordained a priest in 1884. He was appointed and ordained Bishop of Cassano all'Jonio, Italy in 1906.

In 1910 he was named Secretary of the Congregation of Rites (now called the Congregation for the Causes of Saints) by Pope Pius X. In 1915 he was appointed and installed as Patriarch of Venice and was elevated to Cardinal in the consistory of 16 December 1916 by Pope Benedict XV with the title of Cardinal-Priest of Ss. Nereo ed Achilleo. Cardinal La Fontaine's title was later changed to Cardinal-Priest of Ss. XII Apostoli in 1921. As Cardinal, he participated in the Papal conclave that elected Pope Pius XI.

Pietro Cardinal La Fontaine died on 9 July 1935 after having served as Patriarch of Venice for over 20 years.

The cause for beatification of the Servant of God Pietro Cardinal La Fontaine was opened during the term of his thrice-removed successor Giovanni Cardinal Urbani (Patriarch, 1958-1969). This places him on the path towards possible sainthood.

ources

* [http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/blafo.html Catholic Hierarchy]
* [http://www.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios-l.htm Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church]