Rainerio, Saccioni

Rainerio, Saccioni an Italian ecclesiastic, flourished in the first half of the 13th century. He was a native of Piacenza. He was originally a Catharist, but abandoned his brethren, entered the Church of Rome, became a Dominican monk, and when made inquisitor became one of the worst persecutors of his former co-religionists. In 1252 a conspiracy against him was discovered in time to prevent his murder, but he was never restful after that time, and when Pallavicino gained the upper hand at Milan, Rainerio was driven from the city. He died in 1259. He wrote much, and wielded a powerful pen, for he was a man of much learning. His Summna de Catharis et Leonistis, written for the information of the Inquisition, is the principal source of information regarding the Catharists. The best edition of this work is by Gretser (Ingolstadt, 1613). See Gieseler, Kirchengqesch. i, 598; and his De Rainerii Summa (G(ott. 1834); Milman, Hist. of Latin Christianity, v, 61- 66; Piper, Monumental Theol. § 140. (J. H.W.)