Pietro Tamburini's Jansenist Legacy at the Irish College in Rome and His Influence on the Irish Church

Pietro Tamburini (1737–1827) is known as the foremost "Italian Jansenist" of his time, penning numerous theological works between 1770 and 1798, and helping to spearhead the infamous synod at Pistoia in 1786. Yet, as this article will reveal, these were not his only interests; he was also very active in proselytizing for the so-called (Italian) Jansenist cause, an activity that until now has been little understood. While serving as prefect of studies at the Irish College in Rome (1772–1778), a period in Tamburini's life that has been relatively neglected by biographers, he attracted at least six young Irish followers. His influence had transnational implications, as Tamburini's disciples carried his teachings to the Irish College in Salamanca and later to the Irish Church when they returned to their native land. Based on archival materials in Rome and Dublin that have been largely overlooked, this article reveals the exploitation of students at national colleges by school administrators and its negative impact on national churches.