Roman Catholic Cardinal. A member of an ancient noble Roman family that distinguished itself at the service of the Church and the army, Gianantonio Capizucchi undertook the ecclesiastical career under the guidance and support of his uncle, Monsignor Paolo Capizucchi, who occupied important posts during the pontificates of Popes Leo X, Adrian VI, Clement VII and Paul III. Obtaining a doctorate in utroque iure, in both canon and civil laws, following his uncle's resignation, having reserved the annuities, he obtained a canonry at St. Peter's Basilica in 1535. His uncle's death four years later seems however to have brought a setback in his career, as for the next full decade he was merely a referendary of the Tribunals of the Apostolic Signature of Justice and of Grace. Eventually named auditor of causes at the Rota of the Apostolic Palace on June 1, 1549, Pope Pope Paul IV created him cardinal priest in the consistory of December 20, 1555 with the title of San Pancrazio. Elected bishop of Lodi on July 5, 1557, he received his episcopal consecration on December 21 of that year in Rome from Msgr. Giovanni Giacomo Barba OSA., bishop of Terni and papal sacristan. With the named Pontiff appointing him perpetual governor, with the title of apostolic legate, of Castel di Gualdo di Nocera, during his episcopate, his diocese saw a huge innovative impulse, including the establishment of a school of Christian doctrine for children of both sexes, the introduction of both the Capuchins and Jesuits, a strong adhering to the provisions of the Tridentine decrees regarding the moral reform of the clergy and the people, and a pastoral visit. Opting for the title of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in 1562, on September 28, 1564, he was called to Rome by Pope Pius IV at the request of his nephew, Cardinal Carlo Borromeo, on the charge of living a somewhat licentious life, which was more typical of a knight than a bishop. Opting for the title of San Clemente, on November 7, 1565, Pope Pius V had him appointed amongst his advisers, giving him, as Pope Paul IV had done before him, lodging in the Apostolic Palace. Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals between January 13, 1567 and January 14 of the following year, he went on to serve as prefect of the Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature of Grace until his death which occurred in Rome in 1569. He lies buried in his last title.