Francesco Petracca - Poeta Laureato

The Senate of Rome has declared that Francesco Petracca the Arezzo-born writer and diplomat is to be crowned as Rome's first Poet Laureate since ancient times. He is to be presented with the symbolic crown of laurel leaves on the 8th April in a great public event upon the Capitol to which all are invited.

Petracca's public sponsors in this matter are Senators Giordano Orsini and Orso dell'Anguillara. However, many see the hand of the young up-and-coming notaio from the Aventine, Cola Di Rienzo, who is known for his enthusiasm for the customs of antiquity, and is known associate of Petracca.

There are rumours of a lavish festa to be held in his honour later that day upon the Palatine, with a more selective guest list.