Arnaldi, Giovanni Battista

ARNALDI, GIOVAN BATTISTA. - Born at Castellaro, in the diocese of Ventimiglia, on 8 Jan. 1806; died at Spoleto on 28 Feb. 1867. In 1829 A. dedicated a Conclusione to Pio VIII. Gregorio XVI made A. a secret chaplain, apostolic protonotary, and voting member of the tribunal of the Segnatura di Giustizia, as well as abbreviator of the parco maggiore and coadjutor canon of the Liberian basilica. On 18 March 1852 Pio IX made A. bishop in partibus of Auria and deputy administrator of Terni; a year later, in the Consistory of 7 March 1853, he was preconized archbishop of Spoleto. After 1860 A. distinguished himself by his proud conduct in the face of the new state authorities. As early as Nov. 1860, he had lamented the insults and warfare directed against the Church in Umbria, being particularly distressed by anti-Catholic propaganda. In 1863 A., together with the future Pope Leone XIII, then bishop of Perugia, vigorously protested against the decree of the exequatur. Moreover, having addressed a pastoral letter to his faithful during Lent in which he attacked the policy of the new government, A. was confined in the fortress of Spoleto. Once released, he persisted in his attitude, and in 1866 again protested to Ricasoli against the measures taken with regard to the clergy during the war with Austria.