Early life Pignatelli was born in
Zaragoza, Spain, of
Neapolitan descent and noble lineage. He did his early studies in the Jesuit College of Zaragoza, along with his brother, Nicolás. There he developed
tuberculosis, which was to plague him his entire life. He entered the
Society of Jesus at the age of 15 on 8 May 1753 in
Tarragona, despite his family's opposition. On completing his theological studies he was
ordained a priest, and assigned to teach at the College of Zaragoza. In 1766 the Governor of Zaragoza was held responsible for a threatened
famine, and so enraged was the populace against him that they were about to destroy the Governor's palace by fire. Pignatelli's persuasive power over the people averted the calamity. Despite the letter of thanks sent by King
Charles III of Spain, the Jesuits were accused of instigating the above-mentioned riot. Pignatelli's refutation of the charge was followed by the decree of expulsion of the Jesuits of Zaragoza on 4 April 1767.
The Count of Aranda, a favorite of the king and a supporter of the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain, offered to allow Pignatelli and his brother, Nicolás (also a member of the Society), as members of the nobility, to remain in the city, provided that they leave the Society. In spite of Joseph's ill-health, the brothers stood firm and went into exile with their confreres.
Death and veneration Pignatelli died in Rome, then under French occupation, on 15 November 1811, due to hemorrhaging resulting from his tuberculosis, which had begun the previous month. His remains rest today in a
reliquary under the
altar of the Chapel of the
Passion in the
Church of the Gesù in Rome. The cause for Pignatelli's
canonization was introduced under
Pope Gregory XVI. He was
beatified on 21 May 1933 by
Pope Pius XI, and the cause for his canonization was formally opened on 19 June 1935. He was canonized on 12 June 1954 by
Pope Pius XII. ==Legacy==