Consalvi

Consalvi, ERCOLE, CARDINAL, a distinguished reformer of abuses in the Papal States, was born at Rome, June 8, 1757. He was made cardinal and secretary of state by Pope Pius VII., and in this capacity concluded the concordat with Napoleon in 1801. His staunch maintenance of the rights of his own sovereign against the insidious encroachments of France offended Napoleon. He was the papal representative at the Congress of Vienna, and secured the restoration of the Papal States. As papal secretary he reformed numerous abuses, suppressing all monopolies, feudal taxes, and exclusive rights. He was a liberal patron of science, but especially of the fine arts, and employed his leisure in the study of literature and music. In diplomacy he displayed great address, and was generally successful. He died in Rome, January 24, 1824.