Antonelli

Antonelli, GIACOMO, cardinal, was born 2d April 1806, at Sonnino, a village situated near the Pontine Marshes. His father was a woodcutter, member of an ancient but decayed family. In 1819 his birthplace having been demolished as a nest of robbers, Antonelli came to Rome, and entered the Grand Seminary, where he proved himself one of the cleverest students of his time. He gained the favour of Pope Gregory XVI., who named him a prelato, and gave him some excellent ecclesiastical appointments. In 1841 Antonelli became under-secretary of state to the ministry of the interior; in 1844, second treasurer; and in the following year, finance minister of the two apostolic chambers. Pope Pius IX., having mounted the papal throne in 1846, raised Antonelli, during the next year, to the dignity of cardinal-deacon of Santa Agatha alla Suburra. In 1848 Antonelli was president and minister of foreign affairs in a liberal cabinet, which framed the famous Statuto or Constitution proclaimed in 1848, the principal articles of which were so very soon eluded. He accompanied the pope in his flight to Gaeta, and returned with him to Rome, and supported the reactionary policy. In 1855 an attempt was made upon his life. In the Vatican Council of 1869-70, Antonelli showed great tact and ability. He obstinately resisted all concessions to the growing national spirit of the Italian people; but his protestations against the progress of events in Italy were of no avail, and Victor-Emmanuel entered Rome in 1871. At the date of his death, 6th November 1876, the various posts held by Antonelli made him virtually prime-minister to the pope (see PIUS IX.). The vast property, £1,600,000, bequeathed to his three brothers, was vainly disputed by a soi-disante daughter in a tedious and famous lawsuit (1877-9).