GIZZI, PASQUALE TOMMASO. - Cardinal, born at Ceccano (Frosinone) on 22 Sept. 1787, died at Lenola on 3 July 1849. After completing his early studies at Ferentino and taking degrees in canon and civil law at the Sapienza, he became an advocate of the Roman Rota in 1819. Sent to Switzerland in 1820 as auditor to the nuncio Nasalli, he was named internuncio in 1827 and handled difficult cases concerning Church property and jurisdiction with shrewdness and competence.
He subsequently served as chargé d’affaires in Turin (1829–1835), delegate at Ancona (1837–39), internuncio in Belgium (1839–41), and nuncio in Turin (1841–44). Created cardinal by Gregory XVI, his name was reserved in pectore in the Consistory of 12 July 1841 and published in that of 22 Jan. 1844. Appointed legate of Forlì in 1844, he remained there two years, displaying great prudence and moderation, and winning sincere sympathy even among liberals because of his conciliatory spirit. One need only recall his delicate, calm, yet firm handling of the disturbances in Rimini (1845).
At the death of Gregory XVI (1846), his election to the papacy was widely hoped for; indeed, during the Conclave his elevation was taken for granted, and crowds invaded his residence in jubilation, taking whatever they could lay hands on. Pius IX, who held him in sincere esteem for his governing abilities, named him Secretary of State on 2 Aug. 1846. Despite immense difficulties, Cardinal G. remained in that office until July 1847, and did not belie his diplomatic training, his sense of moderation, or his consummate skill in handling the most pressing affairs.