Petra, Vicenzo

Petra, Vicenzo an Italian cardinal, was born at Naples November 13, 1662. He occupied at the court of Rome several considerable positions, and was created cardinal in 1724, then bishop of Praeneste. He enjoyed great influence with popes Innocent XII and Benedict XIII, who often consulted him upon grave affairs. He died at Rome March 24, 1747. He published De sacra Poenitentiara Apostolica (Rome, 1712, 4to), and Commentaria ad Constitutiones Apostolicas (Ven. 1729, 4 volumes, fol.). See Nomini illustri del Regno di Napoli. — Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, 39:730.