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'''Saint Robert Bellarmine''' (born 4 October 1542, died 17 September 1621) was an [[Saints|Italian saint]], [[Priest|priest]], [[Bishop|bishop]], and Jesuit theologian, renowned for his role in the Counter-Reformation and his contributions to Catholic theology. Born in Montepulciano, [[Tuscany]], [[Italy]], he joined the [[Religious order|Society of Jesus]] in 1560, becoming a leading defender of Catholic doctrine against Protestantism through his writings, notably *Disputationes de Controversiis*. Elevated to cardinal in 1599 and Archbishop of Capua in 1602, he served the [[Roman Catholic Church|Church]] with intellectual rigor and humility, mediating disputes and advising popes. Canonized in 1930 by Pope Pius XI, he was declared a [[Doctor of the Church]] in 1931, one of only 37 such figures. His relics are venerated in the Church of Saint Ignatius in Rome, and he is honored in both the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] and [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] traditions.<ref name="web0">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Bellarmine|title=Robert Bellarmine|publisher=Wikipedia|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref><ref name="web1">{{cite web|url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-robert-bellarmine|title=Saint Robert Bellarmine|publisher=FranciscanMedia.org|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref>

Saint Robert Bellarmine’s legacy is defined by his scholarly defense of Catholicism during a period of religious upheaval, earning him the title “Hammer of Heretics” for his polemical works, though he was known for his charity in debate. His contributions to ecclesiology, particularly on papal authority and the indirect power of the Church in temporal affairs, remain influential. Celebrated on his feast day, 17 September, he is the patron saint of canon lawyers, catechists, and catechumens, reflecting his commitment to education and law. His life continues to inspire devotion in the [[Diocese|Diocese of Siena-Colle di Val d'Elsa-Montalcino]] and among Jesuits worldwide, with his writings shaping Catholic thought for centuries.<ref name="web5">{{cite web|url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02411d.htm|title=St. Robert Bellarmine|publisher=NewAdvent.org|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref><ref name="web8">{{cite web|url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=101|title=St. Robert Bellarmine|publisher=Catholic.org|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref>

{{Saints
|SaintName=Saint Robert Bellarmine
|SaintStage=Saint
|SaintBirthDate=4 October 1542
|SaintBirthPlace=Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy
|SaintBirthCoordinates=43.0914, 11.7796
|SaintDeathDate=17 September 1621
|DeathPlace=Rome, Papal States
|SaintDeathCoordinates=41.9028, 12.4964
|SaintCauseOfDeath=Natural causes
|NotableAddress1=Leuven, Belgium
|NotableCoordinates1=50.8798, 4.7005
|NotableAddress2=Capua, Italy
|NotableCoordinates2=41.1056, 14.2137
|NotableAddress3=
|NotableCoordinates3=
|NotableAddress4=
|NotableCoordinates4=
|NotableAddress5=
|NotableCoordinates5=
|BeatificationDate=29 May 1923
|Beatifier=Pope Pius XI
|BeatificationLocation=Rome
|Canonized=Yes
|CanonizationDate=29 June 1930
|Canonizer=Pope Pius XI
|CanonizationLocation=Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome
|SaintMiracle1=Healing of a child with tuberculosis in 1922
|SaintMiracle2=Healing of a woman with a terminal illness in 1929
|SaintMiracle3=None recorded
|FeastDay=17 September
|Profession=Priest, Bishop, Theologian
|ReligiousAffiliation=Society of Jesus
|Patronage=Canon lawyers; Catechists; Catechumens
|Attributes=Cardinal’s robes, book, quill
|PrimaryShrine=Church of Saint Ignatius, Rome, Italy
|AdditionalVeneration=Orthodox Church
}}
==Biography==

===Birth===
Saint Robert Bellarmine, born Roberto Francesco Romolo Bellarmine on 4 October 1542 in Montepulciano, [[Tuscany]], [[Italy]], was the third of ten children in a noble but impoverished family.<ref name="web0"/> His father, Vincenzo Bellarmine, and mother, Cinzia Cervini, a niece of Pope Marcellus II, provided a devout Catholic upbringing amidst the challenges of the Reformation era. Montepulciano, a hilltop town in the [[Diocese|Diocese of Montepulciano]], shaped his early environment, fostering his intellectual and spiritual growth.

From childhood, Robert displayed precocity, composing hymns and mastering Latin and Greek. His mother’s piety and family connections to the [[Roman Catholic Church|Church]] influenced his decision to pursue a religious vocation, setting him on a path to become one of the Counter-Reformation’s leading figures.<ref name="web5"/>

===Early Life===
Saint Robert Bellarmine’s early life was marked by intellectual brilliance and religious fervor in Montepulciano. Educated initially by his family and local clergy, he showed an aptitude for languages and theology, writing poetry and debating as a youth.<ref name="web8"/> At 18, he joined the [[Religious order|Society of Jesus]] in Rome in 1560, drawn to its emphasis on education and missionary work. His Jesuit training included studies in philosophy at the Roman College and theology in Padua and Leuven, where he honed his skills as a defender of Catholic doctrine.<ref name="web12">{{cite web|url=https://catholicsaints.info/saint-robert-bellarmine/|title=Saint Robert Bellarmine|publisher=CatholicSaints.info|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref>

During the 1560s and 1570s, Bellarmine taught at Leuven, engaging with Protestant scholars and refining his apologetic methods. His lectures formed the basis for his magnum opus, *Disputationes de Controversiis*, a systematic refutation of Protestant theology. His early life laid the foundation for his role as a leading Jesuit theologian.<ref name="web13">{{cite web|url=https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/17/saint-of-the-day-17-september-saint-robert-bellarmine-sj-1542-1621-doctor-of-the-church/|title=Saint of the Day – 17 September – Saint Robert Bellarmine|publisher=Anastpaul.com|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref>

===Occupation===
Saint Robert Bellarmine’s primary occupation was as a [[Priest|priest]], [[Bishop|bishop]], and Jesuit theologian, serving the [[Roman Catholic Church|Church]] through scholarship and leadership. Ordained in 1570, he taught theology at the Roman College, becoming its rector in 1592.<ref name="web0"/> His *Disputationes de Controversiis* (1586–1593) defended Catholic doctrine against Protestant reformers, earning him renown as a defender of the faith. Appointed cardinal by Pope Clement VIII in 1599, he advised popes on theological and political matters, including the Galileo affair, where he advocated moderation.<ref name="web1"/>

As Archbishop of Capua from 1602 to 1605, Bellarmine focused on pastoral care, implementing Tridentine reforms and visiting parishes.<ref name="web5"/> His later years in Rome involved curial duties and writing, including catechisms that influenced Catholic education. His occupation blended intellectual rigor with practical service, shaping the Counter-Reformation.<ref name="web8"/>

===Vocation===
Saint Robert Bellarmine’s religious vocation was rooted in his Jesuit calling, dedicated to defending and teaching the Catholic faith.<ref name="web12"/> Joining the [[Religious order|Society of Jesus]] in 1560, he embraced its mission of education and evangelization, becoming a leading voice in the Counter-Reformation. His theological writings clarified Church teachings on grace, sacraments, and papal authority, countering Protestant critiques while fostering dialogue.<ref name="web13"/>

As cardinal and Archbishop, his vocation extended to governance and pastoral care, mediating disputes like the Venetian Interdict and advising on sensitive cases, such as Galileo’s heliocentrism trial. His humility, evident in his simple lifestyle despite high office, and his charity in debate made him a model Jesuit. His vocation culminated in his designation as a [[Doctor of the Church]] in 1931.<ref name="web1"/>

===Death===
Saint Robert Bellarmine died on 17 September 1621 in Rome, [[Papal States]], of natural causes, likely related to declining health in his late 70s.<ref name="web0"/> After years of service as a cardinal and Jesuit, he passed away at the Jesuit novitiate in Rome, surrounded by his brethren. His death was mourned widely, given his reputation for holiness and scholarship, and his body was enshrined in the Church of Saint Ignatius in Rome.<ref name="web5"/>

His tomb became a pilgrimage site, and miracles attributed to his intercession fueled his canonization process. His death marked the end of a prolific career, but his writings and reforms continued to shape Catholic theology and education in the [[Diocese|Diocese of Rome]] and beyond.<ref name="web12"/>

==Significant events==
* Joined the [[Religious order|Society of Jesus]] in Rome, 1560, beginning his Jesuit vocation.<ref name="web0"/>
* Published *Disputationes de Controversiis* (1586–1593), a landmark defense of Catholic doctrine.<ref name="web1"/>
* Appointed cardinal by Pope Clement VIII in 1599 and Archbishop of Capua in 1602.<ref name="web5"/>
* Canonized by Pope Pius XI on 29 June 1930 and declared a [[Doctor of the Church]] in 1931.<ref name="web8"/>
==Significant locations==
{{SaintMapSimple}}

==Parishes==

{{Saint parish map|Where=Saint Robert Bellarmine|zoom=7|Saint=Saint Robert Bellarmine}}

==Canonization==

===Servant of God===
The process to recognize Saint Robert Bellarmine as a [[Saints|Servant of God]] began in the [[Diocese|Diocese of Rome]] shortly after his death in 1621. The [[Religious order|Society of Jesus]] initiated the cause, collecting testimonies of his holiness, scholarship, and humility. His reputation as a defender of the faith and his simple lifestyle despite high office supported the investigation.<ref name="web5"/>

===Venerable===
Saint Robert Bellarmine was declared [[Saints|Venerable]] in 1627 by Pope Urban VIII, recognizing his heroic virtue. The [[Roman Catholic Church|Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] affirmed his contributions to theology and his personal sanctity, advancing his cause despite delays due to political tensions within the Church.<ref name="web0"/>

===Beatification===
Saint Robert Bellarmine was beatified on 29 May 1923 by Pope Pius XI in Rome, following the confirmation of a miracle: the healing of a child with tuberculosis in 1922, attributed to his intercession.<ref name="web8"/> The miracle was verified by the [[Roman Catholic Church|Church]], allowing his veneration in the [[Religious order|Society of Jesus]] and the [[Diocese|Diocese of Siena-Colle di Val d'Elsa-Montalcino]].<ref name="web12"/>

===Canonization===
Saint Robert Bellarmine was canonized on 29 June 1930 by Pope Pius XI in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, after a second miracle: the healing of a woman with a terminal illness in 1929, attributed to his intercession.<ref name="web8"/> His canonization affirmed his universal veneration, with his feast day set for 17 September. Declared a [[Doctor of the Church]] in 1931, his theological legacy was recognized as foundational to Catholicism.<ref name="web1"/>

==Miracles==

===Miracle for beatification===
The miracle for Saint Robert Bellarmine’s beatification involved the healing of a child suffering from tuberculosis in 1922. After prayers invoking Bellarmine’s intercession, the child recovered fully, a cure deemed inexplicable by medical experts. The [[Roman Catholic Church|Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] investigated and verified the miracle, supporting his beatification by Pope Pius XI in 1923.<ref name="web8"/>

This miracle reinforced Bellarmine’s reputation for intercessory power, particularly among the [[Religious order|Society of Jesus]]. The healing’s documentation met the Church’s rigorous standards, affirming his sanctity.<ref name="web12"/>

===Miracle for canonization===
The miracle for Saint Robert Bellarmine’s canonization was the healing of a woman with a terminal illness in 1929, attributed to his intercession. The woman, facing a prognosis with no medical hope, recovered after prayers to Bellarmine, a cure verified as miraculous by the [[Roman Catholic Church|Church]]. This miracle paved the way for his canonization by Pope Pius XI in 1930.<ref name="web8"/>

The healing underscored Bellarmine’s ongoing influence, particularly for Catholics seeking intellectual and spiritual guidance. Its verification highlighted his universal appeal as a saint.<ref name="web1"/>

===Other notable miracles===
* No additional miracles are specifically documented, though devotion to Saint Robert Bellarmine attributes various spiritual favors to his intercession, particularly among Jesuits and scholars.<ref name="web13"/>

==Patronage==
Saint Robert Bellarmine is the patron saint of canon lawyers, catechists, and catechumens, reflecting his contributions to Church law, education, and catechesis. His patronage extends to those engaged in theological study and apologetics.<ref name="web8"/><ref name="web16">{{cite web|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-robert-bellarmine-587|title=St. Robert Bellarmine|publisher=CatholicNewsAgency.com|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref>

==Feast day==
Saint Robert Bellarmine’s feast day is celebrated on 17 September in the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] and [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] liturgical calendars, commemorating his death in 1621.<ref name="web1"/>

==Veneration==
Saint Robert Bellarmine is venerated through prayers, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Church of Saint Ignatius in Rome, where his relics are enshrined.<ref name="web5"/> His feast day, 17 September, is marked by Masses in the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]], and the [[Orthodox Church]] honors him, reflecting his broad appeal.<ref name="web13"/> The church in Rome remains a pilgrimage site, especially for Jesuits and theologians.

He is depicted in religious art with cardinal’s robes, a book, and a quill, symbolizing his scholarship and Church service. His relics draw devotees, and his legacy as a [[Doctor of the Church]] inspires parishes, such as Saint Robert Bellarmine in Warrington, Pennsylvania, and schools named in his honor.<ref name="web9">{{cite web|url=https://www.strb.org/|title=St. Robert Bellarmine Church|publisher=Strb.org|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref>

==Books==

==Written about the saint==
* [https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Saints-Butler-Vol-I/dp/0870610465 Butler’s Lives of the Saints, Vol. I] – Includes a biography of Saint Robert Bellarmine, detailing his life and contributions.
* [https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Bellarmine-Saint-Scholar/dp/0895552345 Robert Bellarmine: Saint and Scholar by James Brodrick] – A comprehensive study of his life and theology.<ref name="web17">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Bellarmine-Saint-Scholar/dp/0895552345|title=Robert Bellarmine: Saint and Scholar|publisher=Amazon.com|accessdate=2025-06-14}}</ref>

==Written by the saint==
* *Disputationes de Controversiis Christianae Fidei* (1586–1593) – A systematic defense of Catholic doctrine.
* *Catechism of 1597* – A foundational text for Catholic education, translated into multiple languages.<ref name="web0"/>

==External links==
* [https://catholicsaints.info/saint-robert-bellarmine/ CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Robert Bellarmine]
* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=101 Catholic.org: Saint Robert Bellarmine]
* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02411d.htm New Advent: St. Robert Bellarmine]
* [https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/17/saint-of-the-day-17-september-saint-robert-bellarmine-sj-1542-1621-doctor-of-the-church/ Anastpaul.com: Saint Robert Bellarmine]

==References==
{{Reflist}}