BRIOSCHI, PIETRO ADAMO. - Missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions of Milan, archbishop of Cartagena (Colombia). B. at Tradate (Milan) on 7 Apr. 1860, d. in Nov. 1943. While a theology student, he entered the Institute for Foreign Missions of Milan, from which he departed in 1882, still a subdeacon, as secretary to Mons. Eugenio Biffi (v.), bishop of Cartagena. He assisted his bishop with fidelity and intelligence, and upon the latter’s death (1896) he was elected capitular vicar and, two years later, bishop. He continued the work of reconstruction begun by his predecessor through preaching, synods, the press, works of worship, and educational activity, in which he enlisted the assistance of several religious orders.
Besides numerous pastoral letters, he wrote apologetic pamphlets and books, among which may be recalled: La vita di s. Pietro Claver and Un apostolo di due continenti (mons. Biffi). He fought against Freemasonry, which in 1910 compelled him to go into exile, but he soon returned to his field of work. He promoted the evangelization of the Indians, for whom he brought about, in 1924, the establishment of the apostolic prefecture of Sinò, now s. Jorge. In 1932 he had the suffragan diocese of Barranquilla detached from the archdiocese. For his zeal, in 1901 he was promoted to archbishop and in 1917 made assistant to the Papal Throne. The Italian government too recognized his merits, appointing him (1933) Grand Officer of the Crown of Italy.