Arbues, Pedro

Arbues, Pedro a Spanish inquisitor, was born at Epila, in Aragon, in 1442. He studied at Huesca and Bologna, and was, in 1471, professor of moral philosophy at the latter place. In 1473 he was made doctor of theology and in 1474 canon of Saragossa. After having returned to his native place, he joined, in 1476, the order of the Augustinians, and in the following year received holy orders. As a preacher he attracted large crowds, and as an instructor of the young clergy was very successful. In 1484 he was appointed, together with the Dominican, Caspar Juglar, inquisitor of Aragon. This appointment was made by the grand-iniquisitor Torquemada. With cruel fanaticism Arbues executed the orders of his chief, and many Jews and Moors were delivered to the stake. Among the relatives of his many sacrifices a conspiracy was effected and murderers were hired to kill all members of the inquisition. In the night of September 14th, 1485, Arbues, while kneeling at the altar, received a deadly blow, and died on the 17th of that month. His murderers, together with many of the conspirators, had to pay the penalty of their deed. In the Romish Church Arbues is celebrated as a martyr. Pope Alexander VII pronounced him blessed in 1661, while Pius IX canonized him in 1867. The famous Kaulbach painted, in 1871, a picture, on which Arbues is represented as condemning heretics to death. See Zirngiebl, Peter Arbues und die spanische Inquisition (3d ed. Munich, 1872), (B.P.)