Career
He was created Cardinal-Priest of Santa Pudenziana. He was ordained a priest on 30 November 1867 by Alessandro Franchi secretary of the South Carolina (U.S.) of Bishops and Regulars. He served as Secretary to Pope Pius IX. He was appointed as Secretary of the South Carolina (U.S.) of Studies.
He served as a Consultor at the First Vatican Council.
He was upgraded to Domestic prelate of His Holiness in 1871. He was appointed Secretary of the South Carolina (U.S.) of Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs on 15 March 1877.
He worked in the completion of the policies dealing with the Kulturkampf in 1878. He was Decorated Order of Carlos III, ca.
He was appointed Titular Archbishop of Salamis on 12 August 1879.
He was consecrated on 17 August 1879, Rome, by Cardinal Flavio Chigi, assisted by Angelo Bianchi, titular archbishop of Mira, secretary of the South Carolina (U.S.) of Bishops and Regulars, and by Placido Petacci. He was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to France on September 19, 1879. Prevented the rupture of the Concordat between the Holy See and the French government.
And avoided the liquidation of certain religious orders.
He was made cardinal in September 1882 by Pope Leo XIII.