Editing Pope Urban VI (section)

==Early life==
Born in [[Itri]], then part of the [[Kingdom of Naples]], Prignano was a devout [[monk]] and learned [[casuist]], trained at [[Avignon]]. On 21 March 1364 he was consecrated [[Archbishop of Acerenza]] in the [[Kingdom of Naples]]. He became [[Archbishop of Bari]] in 1377.<ref name=Mulder>{{CE1913 |inline=1 |last=Mulder |first=William |wstitle=Pope Urban VI |volume=15}}</ref>

Prignano had developed a reputation for simplicity and frugality and a head for business when acting vice-chancellor. He also demonstrated a penchant for learning, and, according to Cristoforo di Piacenza,<ref>In a letter to his master, [[House of Gonzaga|Lodovico Gonzaga]] of Mantua; (Pastor 121, who adds "He was quickly and thoroughly undeceived!").</ref> he had no family allies in an age of [[nepotism]], although once in the papal chair he elevated four [[cardinal-nephew]]s and sought to place one of them in control of Naples. His great faults undid his virtues: [[Ludwig von Pastor]] summed up his character: "He lacked Christian gentleness and charity. He was naturally arbitrary and extremely violent and imprudent, and when he came to deal with the burning ecclesiastical question of the day, that of reform, the consequences were disastrous."<ref>Pastor 122; on the urgency of reforms, see the contemporary letters of [[Catherine of Siena]].</ref>