ERCOLANI, LUIGI

ERCOLANI, LUIGI. - Cardinal, born at Foligno on 17 Oct. 1758 into a noble family of Senigallia, died at Rome on 10 Dec. 1825.

Having completed his studies at the Collegio Nazareno and the Accademia dei nobili ecclesiastici, he remained a layman, more devoted to works of piety than to worldly affairs. An expert in economic matters, he was appointed in 1800 a member of the governing commission and Minister of Finance, earning particular distinction for the prudence and ability with which he handled delicate affairs in the interest of the treasury of the States of the Church. Without ever having been in the prelature, he was appointed by Pio VII domestic prelate and general treasurer of the Apostolic Camera.

The same Pontiff, in the Consistory of 8 March 1816, created him cardinal, reserving his name in pectore and publishing his appointment on 22 July of the same year. In the meantime, he had himself ordained priest. In 1818 he was appointed commendatory and ordinary abbot of the abbey of S. Maria di Farfa and of S. Salvatore Maggiore; “he was a provident benefactor of the abbey, both by restoring the church,” donating precious furnishings and sacred ornaments, and by improving the endowments of the parishes. Moreover, he caused the Seminary of S. Salvatore to flourish again, supporting eleven young men there. In Rome he restored the church of S. Salvatore in Campo, subject to the jurisdiction of the abbot of Farfa, and was exceedingly charitable towards the poor.