BELLISOMI, CARLO. — Cardinal, born 30 Sept. 1739 at Pavia, died 9 Aug. 1808 at Cesena. Of a patrician family, he was educated in Rome at the Collegio Clementino. After his father’s death, he returned to his native city, where he continued his theological studies and earned the degree “intrinsique iuris.”
In 1775 he was sent as nuncio to Cologne, remaining there until 1786, when he was transferred to the nunciature in Portugal. Created cardinal by Pius VI on 14 Feb. 1785, he was reserved in pectore and published in the Consistory of 21 Feb. 1794, with the title of S. Maria della Pace. In 1795 he was elected bishop of Cesena and took part in the conclave that began at Venice on 10 Dec. 1799; though he received the majority of votes from the cardinals present, the persistent opposition of Cardinal Herzan—who represented Austrian interests and supported the candidacy of Cardinal Mattei—prevented him from securing the required two-thirds majority. The conclave dragged on until 14 March 1800, when Cardinal Chiaramonti (Pius VII) was elected.
He was buried in the cathedral of Cesena.