Belonging to an illustrious and powerful noble family from the south, Giovanni Vincenzo Acquaviva d'Aragona was born in Naples, the son of Andrea Matteo III Acquaviva d'Aragona, eighth duke of Atri, 15th Count of Conversano and Count of Caserta, and his wife Isabella Piccolomini. His nephew,
Claudio Acquaviva, son of his brother Giannantonio Donato, 9th Duke of Atri, was the fifth General of the Jesuits. In February 1537, he was elected bishop of the diocese of Melfi and Rapolla; and in June that year, Archpriest of Santa Maria in Platea di San Flaviano. He was made cardinal by
Pope Paul III on 2 June 1542 and Prefect of Castle Sant'Angelo. Ten days later, he was given the titular seat of
San Martino ai Monti. He died on 16 August 1546 in
Itri. Grand-uncle of Cardinals Giulio Acquaviva d'Aragona and
Ottavio Acquaviva d'Aragona (seniore) (1591). Other cardinals of the family are
Ottavio Acquaviva d'Aragona (iuniore) (1654);
Francesco Acquaviva d'Aragona (1706);
Troiano Acquaviva d'Aragona (1732); and
Pasquale Acquaviva d'Aragona (1770). ==Giulio Acquaviva d'Aragona==