GIZZI, PASQUALE TOMMASO. - Cardinal, b. at Ceccano (Frosinone), 22 Sept. 1787, d. at Lenola, 3 July 1849. After completing his early studies at Ferentino and taking his degree in canon and civil law at the Sapienza, he became a rota lawyer in 1819. Sent to Switzerland in 1820 as auditor with the nuncio Nasalli, he was appointed internuncio in 1827 and handled, with acumen and competence, difficult affairs concerning property and jurisdiction in the Church.
He was subsequently charged with affairs in Turin (1829-1835), delegate of Ancona (1837-39), internuncio in Belgium (1839-41) and nuncio in Turin (1841-44). By Gregory XVI he was created cardinal, reserved in petto in the Consistory of 12 July 1841 and published in that of 22 Jan. 1844. Appointed legate of Forlì in 1844, he remained there for two years and showed great prudence and moderation, while for his conciliatory spirit he met with sincere sympathies even among the liberals. It is enough to recall his delicate work, serene and firm at the same time, during the Rimini disturbances (1845).
On the death of Gregory XVI (1846), his election to the pontificate was hoped for in many quarters; indeed, during the Conclave his elevation was taken as certain and the crowd, as a sign of joy, invaded his dwelling, carrying off everything it could find. Pius IX, who had a sincere esteem for his qualities of government, appointed him Secretary of State on 2 Aug. 1846. Overcoming immense difficulties, Cardinal G. remained in that office until July 1847, and did not belie his diplomatic preparation, his sense of moderation and his consummate practice in the handling of the most important affairs.
Bibliography3 works
Mario de Camilla