Antonio Pavoni was a 14th-century Italian Dominican priest who served as an inquisitor-general under Pope Urban V. Born in Savigliano around 1325, he dedicated his life to the Order of Preachers, joining the order in 1340 and receiving ordination in 1350. He was tasked with addressing heresies within the Lombard region and Genoa. His commitment to an austere lifestyle and his preaching methods eventually led to a fatal confrontation with Waldensian groups during his ministry.
Life and death
After joining the Dominican Order, Pavoni served as the prior of the convent in Savigliano on two occasions. In 1360, he was appointed by the Pope to combat various heresies. While preaching an Eastertide homily in Turin, he was targeted in an ambush. The priest was killed by Waldensians on 9 April 1374, an event regarded as a death in hatred of the faith.
Veneration
Although he was recognized as a martyr shortly after his death, formal beatification did not occur until 1856 under Pope Pius IX. His remains were originally placed in the Dominican convent at Savigliano before being moved to the Dominican church in Racconigi in 1827. He is commemorated annually on 9 April.