Cardinal and statesman. Born on August 17, 1843 in Polizzi, Sicily; died on December 16, 1913 in Rome, Italy. After acting as auditor of the nunciature at Madrid, he returned to Rome to become secretary of the Propaganda for Eastern affairs. Consecrated bishop, he was again sent as nuncio to Madrid. In 1887 he was raised to the dignity of Cardinal-priest of Saint Cecilia and became Secretary of State, Arch-priest of Saint Peter's Basilica, and Grand Prior of the Order of Malta. After the election of Pope Pius X, he was Librarian of the Holy Roman Church. He wrote a biography of Saint Melania the Younger, and spent the remainder of his life in the service of the Congregations to which he belonged. See also Catholic-Hierarchy.Org.