Riario, Raphael Galeotto

Riario, Raphael Galeotto, an Italian prelate, better known as cardinal Riario, was born at Savona, May 3, 1451. He was in great favor with Sixtus IV, who raised him to the rank of cardinal in 1477, and afterwards conferred upon him several bishoprics and archbishoprics, together with the abbeys of Monte-Casino and Cava. During the fetes which celebrated his elevation to the cardinalate, Lorenzo de' Medici and his son were assassinated. The new cardinal did not escape the wrath of the Florentines, though he knew nothing of the plot, and was obliged to take refuge near the altar at which he was officiating. Under Alexander VI he took refuge in France, in his see of Treguier, but returned to Italy on the election of Pius III. He afterwards entered into a conspiracy with cardinal Petrucci against Leo X, who generously pardoned his offense. It is said that cardinal Riario was the first to introduce theatrical representations in Rome. He died July 7, 1521. See Annal. Eccl. 1472-84; Panvinio, Vita di Sisto IV; Infessura, Diario Rom.; Ammanati, Epistola 548 ad Fr. Gonzagam, p. 821.