AZZOLINI, Decio. – Cardinal, b. at Fermo on 11 Apr. 1623, d. at Rome on 8 June 1689. Having graduated very young in philosophy, he accompanied the nuncio Panciroli to Spain. Innocent X, in 1644, appointed him secretary of the cipher; upon Panciroli’s death in 1651, A. took charge of the affairs of the Secretariat of State until the arrival of Bishop Fabio Chigi of Nardò, who was named Secretary of State. After serving as secretary of briefs to princes, in 1654 he was created cardinal deacon of S. Adriano by Innocent X.
In the conclave of 1655 he led the so-called “flying squadron,” which aimed to secure the election of a cardinal free from French or Spanish influence. In subsequent conclaves in which he participated, he maintained this firm and resolute stance.
Clement IX named him Secretary of State; in 1668 A. opted for the deaconry of S. Eustachio. He subsequently became titular of S. Croce in Gerusalemme, S. Maria in Trastevere, and S. Passede.
A. is remembered for his efforts on behalf of the Piceno College, which, through his intervention, received from Clement IX the church of S. Salvatore in Lauro; for the protection he accorded the poet Francesco di Lemene; and for his friendship with Christina of Sweden, who called him the greatest of all cardinals, indeed of all men.