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Francesco Salesio Della VolpeAn Italian curial cardinal from a noble family.
Date of Birth: 24.12.1844
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Priesthood and Vatican Service
- Cardinalate
- Papal Court Prefect
- Congregational Leadership
- Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church
- Conclaves and Papal Elections
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Francesco Salesio Della Volpewas born on December 24, 1844, in Ravenna, Italy, to Count Ignazio Della Volpe and Countess Ortenzia Mazzolani. He received his early education at the Seminary of Bertinoro in Ravenna before continuing his studies at the Pio Seminary in Rome from 1862 to 1867. From 1868 to 1874, he attended the Pontifical Academy of Ecclesiastical Nobles.
Priesthood and Vatican Service
On December 21, 1867, Della Volpe was ordained a priest. He held various roles in the papal court, including Secret Chamberlain of His Holiness (1874-1878), Domestic Prelate of His Holiness (from 1878), and Canon of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica (from 1878). In 1882, he was appointed Secretary of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences and Sacred Relics.
Cardinalate
On June 19, 1899, Della Volpe was elevated to the rank of cardinal in pectore, meaning his appointment was kept secret. He was publicly announced as a cardinal on April 15, 1901, and received the red hat and the deaconry of Santa Maria in Aquiro on April 18, 1901. He later became Cardinal Protodeacon in 1907.
Papal Court Prefect
Della Volpe held several prominent positions within the papal court. He served as Master of the Household of His Holiness from August 17, 1886, to December 31, 1891. Subsequently, he held the office of Prefect of the Papal Household from December 31, 1891, to April 15, 1901.
Congregational Leadership
Della Volpe also held key positions in various Vatican congregations:- Prefect of the Vatican Archive (October 26, 1908 - January 26, 1911)
- Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Index (January 26, 1911 - November 5, 1916)
- Prefect of Propaganda Fide's Economy (July 23, 1903 - October 20, 1908)
Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church
On May 25, 1914, Della Volpe was appointed Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, a high-ranking official responsible for administering the temporal affairs of the Vatican during papal vacancies.
Conclaves and Papal Elections
Della Volpe participated in two papal conclaves:- 1903 - Elected Pope Pius X
- 1914 - Elected Pope Benedict XV
As Cardinal Protodeacon, he had the honor of announcing the election of Benedict XV to the public. He also crowned Pope Benedict XV on September 6, 1914.
Death and Legacy
Francesco Salesio Della Volpe died on March 5, 1916, at the age of 71. He is remembered as a distinguished member of the papal court and for his significant role in the governance of the Catholic Church.
