TADINI, PLACIDO. - Cardinal, b. at Moncalvo, diocese of Casale, on 11 Oct. 1759, d. at Genoa on 22 Nov. 1847.
He entered the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance at a very young age and, once ordained a priest, held numerous offices in the Order, reaching that of assistant general. He was penitentiary in the Vatican Basilica, professor of moral theology at the Sapienza and a member of the theological college of the same University (1824-29). Esteemed as one of the most learned religious of his time, he received positions of great trust from Pius VII and from Leo XII, consultor of the Index, examiner of bishops, apostolic examiner of the Roman clergy. Pius VIII elected him, in 1828, bishop of Biella, and Gregory XVI promoted him archbishop of Genoa in 1832, and created him cardinal of the title of S. Maria in Traspontina, a church served by the Carmelites. Although advanced in age, he governed the vast archdiocese with great zeal and with a true pastoral spirit.
He revived ecclesiastical discipline, fought Jansenism energetically, restored and enlarged the Seminary, providing it with excellent professors. In 1842 he established the ecclesiastical boarding house for old, needy and infirm priests, an initiative still flourishing today. In 1836 he celebrated a highly appreciated Synod and vigorously supported St. Anthony M. Gianelli and Giuseppe Frassinetti in their works of Christian apostolate and reform of morals. In the religious life of the Sardinian States he played a very notable part, and Charles Albert several times availed himself of his counsel and prudence, particularly in the appointment of bishops.
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Mario de Camillis