Stancari(in Latin Stancarus), Francesco

Stancari(In Latin Stancarus), Francesco a noted Italian theologian, was born in Mantua in 1501. After taking orders, he applied himself to the study of Hebrew with the most learned teachers of his time, and began to teach it at the Academy of Undina; but his leanings towards the Reformation becoming apparent, he was obliged to flee to Cracow, and there began teaching the same language. Persecution followed him, however, and he was imprisoned as a heretic. Having gained his liberty through the intervention of certain noblemen, he took refuge in Poland with Nicholas Olesnicki, and in 1550 a church was built for him in Pinczow. After marrying, he spent a year in Königsberg as professor of Hebrew, but, becoming. engaged in a violent dispute with Osiander (q.v.), was obliged to return to Poland, where he died, at Stobnica, Nov. 12, 1574. He was not only a theologian, but also a doctor of medicine. Besides several Biblical works, Stancari left a Grammaire Hebraique (Basle, 1546): — a treatise De Trinitate, etc. (ibid. 1547, 8vo): — Opus Novum de Reformatione, etc. (ibid. 1547, 8vo). See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Générale, s.v. SEE STANCARISTS.