Italian cardinal; first rector of the Pontifical Bohemian College; Attache to the nunciature of Austria. Internuncio to Holland and Luxembourg. Nuncio to Bavaria. Nuncio to France. Archbishop of Lucca. Prefect of the Sac. Congr. of Studies. Benedict XV offered him the post of Secretary of State which he refused due to failing health.
 
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed: three pages, 1913, one year before his appointment to Congregation of Studies. Charming letter to Monsignor Costantino Stefanini of Bargi, who was his first tutor in the Village of Bargi. The year after this letter was written, Stefanini was named an honorary papal chamberlain of the pope. Nice example!