CRISTALDI, BELISARIO. - Cardinal, b. in Rome on 11 July 1764, d. there on 25 February 1831. Descended from a noble baronial family, he first studied letters and philosophy at the Collegio Romano, then devoted himself to legal studies and took a doctorate in both laws. For some time he practised law successfully and, after the occupation of Rome by Neapolitan troops, was appointed secretary of the Supreme Commission of State. Chosen to be sent on a mission to Venice to the new pontiff Pio VII, on his return he was enrolled among the advocates of the Consistory.
During the French occupation he directed the orphanage of “Tata Giovanni.” Viewed unfavourably by the French commander in Rome, he was transferred to Bologna and, having returned to Rome after the Restoration, received from Pio VII appointment as advocate of the treasury and of the Roman people. Having completed the deli-
cate task of settling the claims arising from the public debt contracted under the Kingdom of Italy, in 1820, on account of the excellent qualities he had displayed as a financier, he became treasurer general. Already commendatory abbot of S. Maria di Farfa and of S. Salvatore, he was created by Pio VII, on 15 Dec. 1828, cardinal of the title of S. Maria in Portico. He took part in the conclaves of Pio VIII and Gregorio XVI, and was a member of numerous congregations.