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Francesco Barberini Jr.Italian Curial Cardinal.
Date of Birth: 17.11.1662
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Early Life and Family
- Ecclesiastical Career
- Cardinalate
- Senior Positions within the Curia
- Cardinal Bishop of Ostia and Velletri
- Death
Early Life and Family
Niccolò Maria Lercari was born into a prominent Italian family. He was the great-grandnephew of Pope Urban VIII and Cardinal Antonio Barberini Sr., and the grandnephew of Cardinals Francesco Barberini Sr. and Antonio Barberini Jr. His nephew was Cardinal Carlo Barberini.
Ecclesiastical Career
Lercari began his ecclesiastical career in the Catholic Church, rising through the ranks of the Roman Curia. On November 13, 1690, he was elevated to the College of Cardinals as a cardinal deacon. He held the diaconate of S. Angelo in Pescheria from 1690 to 1715.
Cardinalate
In 1715, Lercari became a cardinal priest with the title of the Church of San Bernardo alle Terme. He later served as cardinal priest of the Church of Santa Prassede from 1718 to 1721. On March 3, 1721, he was appointed cardinal bishop of Palestrina.
Senior Positions within the Curia
In 1726, Lercari was promoted to dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals and prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Ceremonies. He also became prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Bishops and Regulars, holding both positions until his death in 1738.
Cardinal Bishop of Ostia and Velletri
On July 1, 1726, Lercari became the cardinal bishop of Ostia and Velletri. This position made him one of the most senior members of the Catholic Church hierarchy.
Death
Niccolò Maria Lercari passed away on August 17, 1738. He left a significant mark on the Church during his lifetime, serving in various influential positions within the Roman Curia.
