TADINI, PLACIDO. — Cardinal, born in Moncalvo, Diocese of Casale, on 11 October 1759; died in Genoa on 22 November 1847.
He entered the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance at a very young age and, after being ordained a priest, held numerous offices in the Order, rising to that of assistant general. He was a penitentiary at the Vatican Basilica, professor of moral theology at the Sapienza, and a member of the theological faculty of the same University (1824–29). Regarded as one of the most learned religious men of his time, he was entrusted with important and highly confidential duties by Pius VII and Leo XII: consultor of the Index, examiner of bishops, and apostolic examiner of the Roman clergy. In 1828 Pius VIII appointed him bishop of Biella, and in 1832 Gregory XVI promoted him to archbishop of Genoa 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 a truly pastoral spirit.
He caused ecclesiastical discipline to flourish anew, fought Jansenism energetically, and restored and enlarged the seminary, providing it with excellent professors. In 1842 he established the ecclesiastical boarding institution for elderly, needy, and incapacitated priests, an initiative that continues to flourish. In 1836 he celebrated a highly esteemed synod and vigorously supported s. Antonio M. Gianelli and Giuseppe Frassinetti in their works of Christian apostolate and moral reform. He played a very significant role in the religious life of the Sardinian States, and Carlo Alberto repeatedly sought his counsel and prudence, particularly in the appointment of bishops.