ARMALDI, GIOVAN BATTISTA

ARMALDI, GIOVAN BATTISTA. - Born at Castellaro, in the diocese of Ventimiglia, on 8 Jan. 1806, died at Spoleto on 28 Feb. 1807. In 1820 A. dedicated a Conclusione to Pius VIII. Gregory XVI appointed A. secret chaplain, apostolic protonotary and votant of the Apostolic Signature of Justice, as well as abbreviator of the greater park and coadjutor canon of the Liberian Basilica. Pius IX appointed A. on 18 March 1852 bishop in partibus of Auria and administrative deputy of Terni, and a year later, in the Consistory of 7 March 1853, preconized him archbishop of Spoleto. After 1860 A. distinguished himself by his firm conduct in the face of the new state authorities. As early as Nov. 1860 he had deplored the injuries and war waged against the Church in Umbria, particularly protesting against anti-Catholic propaganda. In 1863 A., together with the future Pope Leo XIII, then bishop of Perugia, violently protested against the decree on exequatur. Moreover, having addressed to his faithful during Lent a pastoral letter attacking the policy of the new government, he was confined in the fortress of Spoleto. Upon his release, he persisted in his stance and in 1866 again protested to Ricasoli against the measures taken against the clergy during the war with Austria.