SINCERO, LUIGI. - Cardinal, b. at Trino Vercellese on 26 March 1879, d. at Rome on 7 Feb. 1936.
He studied at Vercelli and Rome, taking degrees in philosophy, theology, and canon law. He was ordained a priest in 1892. After serving as Vice-Rector of the Lombard College in Rome, he became theologian canon of Vercelli and professor at its Seminary. He took a degree in jurisprudence at the University of Turin with the highest marks and honors. He returned to Rome in 1908 as auditor of the S. R. Rota and was an esteemed consultor in many congregations. In 1912 he was admitted to the Roll of Advocates of Rome, with the right to plead cases before the Court of Cassation. In 1917 he was appointed secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the interpretation of the CIC, and in 1920 assessor of the S. C. Concistoriale, in which capacity he served as secretary of the Conclave in 1922. On 23 May 1923 he was created cardinal deacon of S. Giorgio in Velabro, which he restored to its original splendor. In 1926 he was appointed pro-secretary and in 1927 secretary of the S. C. pro Ecclesia Orientali. In 1929 he received episcopal consecration from the hands of the Holy Father Pius XI. In 1933 he opted for the suburban Church of Palestrina, where he exercised an effective episcopal ministry, restoring the Seminary and several churches of the diocese.
Of most acute intellect, profound culture, and tireless industry, he loved the Christian East and promoted its development. Pius XI had in him a capable collaborator in the foundation in Rome of the Russian, Ruthenian, Romanian, Armenian, and Ethiopian Colleges. He brought the Oriental canonical codification to an advanced stage; and he was responsible for the reorganization of the Malankara Church, which had returned to unity.