Contareni, Caspar

, a learned cardinal in the sixteenth century, was one of the illustrious family of that name at Venice, which has produced so many great men. He was ambassador from the republic to the emperor Charles V, and employed in several important negotiations. Paul III. created him cardinal 1535, sent him as legate into Germany, and afterwards to Bologna. Contareni was eminent for his learning, and skill in public affairs. He died 1.542, at Bologna, aged 59. He left several theological works, written in good Latin, and a treatise on the Immortality of the Soul, against Pomponatius, collected in one volume fol. 1571. His most esteemed works are, “De Optimi Antistitis officio,” and his notes on the obscure passages in St. Paul’s epistles. ²