Cristaldi, Belisario

CRISTALDI, BELISARIO. - Cardinal, b. in Rome on 11 July 1764, d. there on 25 Feb. 1831. A descendant of a noble baronial family, he first studied letters and philosophy at the Roman College, then devoted himself to legal studies and earned a degree in both laws. He practiced law with success for some time and, after the occupation of Rome by the Neapolitan troops, was appointed secretary of the Supreme Commission of State. Chosen to be sent on a mission to Venice to the new pontiff Pius VII, on his return he was numbered among the advocates of the Consistory.

During the French occupation he directed the orphanage of "Tata Giovanni." Viewed with disfavor by the French commander of Rome, he was transferred to Bologna and, having returned to Rome after the restoration, received from Pius VII the appointment as advocate of the treasury and of the Roman people. Having brought to completion the delicate task of settling the interests of the public debt contracted under the Kingdom of Italy, in 1820, for the excellent qualities he had demonstrated as a financier, he became treasurer general. Already commendatory abbot of S. Maria di Farfa and of S. Salvatore, he was created, by Pius VII, on 15 Dec. 1828, cardinal of the title of S. Maria in Portico. He took part in the Conclaves of Pius VIII and of Gregory XVI, and was a member of numerous congregations.

Emma Santovito