Francesco Pignatelli

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Francesco Pignatelli (February 6, 1652 — December 15, 1734) — was an Italian cardinal.

He entered the order of Theatines in 1665. On September 27, 1684 he was elected archbishop of Taranto. On February 19, 1703 he was transferred to the metropolitan see of Naples and occupied it until his death. Apostolic nuncio in Poland 1700-03. Although he was nephew of Pope Innocent XII (1691—1700), he was created cardinal only by his successor Clement XI on December 17, 1703. As cardinal he was priest of the title of SS. Pietro e Marcellino (February 11, 1704 — April 26, 1719), bishop of Sabina (April 26, 1719 — June 12, 1724), bishop of Frascati (June 12, 1724 — November 19, 1725) and bishop of Porto e Santa Rufina (from November 19, 1725 until his death). In the papal conclave, 1721 Spain vetoed his election to the pontificate. He became Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals in June 1726 but refused the promotion to the suburbicarian see of Ostia e Velletri (proper of the dean). He died at Naples.