Henry of Segusio

Henry of Segusio, usually called Hostiensis, (c. 1200 – 6 or 7 November 1271) was an Italian canonist of the thirteenth century, born at Susa (Segusio), in the ancient Diocese of Turin. He died at Lyon.

He undertook the study of Roman law and canon law at Bologna, where he seems to have taught Canon Law, and to have taken his degree utriusque juris. He taught canon law at Paris, and spent some time in England, whence King Henry III sent him on a mission to Innocent IV.

Later he became Provost of the Cathedral Chapter of Antibes, and chaplain to the pope. He was promoted to the See of Sisteron in 1244, afterwards to the Archdiocese of Embrun in 1250. He became Cardinal Bishop of Ostia and Velletri on 22 May 1262, whence his name Hostiensis.

His health forced him to leave the conclave of 1268-1271, which, after the Holy See had been vacant for two years and nine months, elected Gregory X. He wrote his Last Will and Testament on 29 October 1271 in his room at Viterbo.

As a canonist Hostiensis had a great reputation. His works are:

A work on feudal law has also been attributed to him, but without foundation.

For Hostiensis the law as well as all political authority were derived from God. Because of this all princes “exercised authority by divine mandate.” Civil law was divine because the emperors who created that law were placed in authority by God. Despite this, however, civil law was inferior to canon law.

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