Gian Francesco Albani facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dean of the College of Cardinals
Church	Roman Catholic
In Office	1774–1803
Predecessor	Carlo Alberto Guidoboni Cavalchini
Successor	Henry Benedict Stuart
Other posts	Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia (1775–1803)
Orders
Ordination	31 March 1748 (deacon) 1759 (priest)
Consecration	21 September 1760 by Pope Clement XIII
Created Cardinal	10 April 1747
Rank	Cardinal-Bishop
Personal details
Born	26 February 1720 Rome, Papal States
Died	15 September 1803 (aged 83) Rome, Papal States
Coat of arms	[[File:|50px|'s coat of arms|alt=]]

Gian Francesco Albani (born February 26, 1720 – died September 15, 1803) was an important leader in the Roman Catholic Church. He was a Cardinal, which is a high-ranking official. He belonged to the famous Albani family.

Early Life and Family Connections

Gian Francesco Albani was born in Rome, which was part of the Papal States at the time. His father was Carlo Albani, the Duke of Soriano. His family had strong ties to the Church. His great-uncle was Pope Clement XI, who was also named Gianfrancesco Albani.

Gian Francesco also had two uncles, Annibale Albani and Alessandro Albani, who were cardinals. Later, his nephew, Giuseppe Albani, also became a cardinal. For two years, Gian Francesco and Giuseppe were cardinals at the same time.

Rising Through Church Ranks

Gian Francesco Albani began his career in the Church at a young age. In October 1740, he became a Protonotary apostolic. This was an important position that involved recording official Church documents.

Soon after, in March 1742, he became the vicar of the patriarchal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This meant he helped manage one of Rome's most important churches. Later that year, in November, he was put in charge of the Papal chamber, which handled the Pope's finances. Less than a year later, in September 1743, he became a cleric of the Apostolic Chamber.

In 1743, he also became a "relator" for a special group that dealt with indulgences and sacred relics. This shows how quickly he moved up in the Church.

Becoming a Cardinal

On April 10, 1747, Gian Francesco Albani was made a Cardinal Deacon. This was a very significant step. On May 15, he was given his first "deaconry," which is a specific church in Rome, called San Cesareo in Palatio.

He continued his religious training, becoming a subdeacon in November 1747 and a deacon on March 31, 1748. He also served as the Cardinal Protector for the Kingdom of Poland in the Roman Curia. This meant he represented Poland's interests to the Pope.

In 1758, he took part in the Papal conclave. A conclave is a special meeting where cardinals gather to elect a new Pope.

Higher Positions and Papal Conclaves

Gian Francesco Albani continued to advance in his Church career. On February 12, 1759, he became a Cardinal Priest. This gave him the title of S. Clemente. Then, on July 21, 1760, he became a Cardinal Bishop. This meant he was in charge of a "suburbicarian see," which is a diocese near Rome. His first one was Sabina.

He later chose to oversee the see of Porto e Santa Rufina on March 17, 1773. He also became the Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals. This is the most senior cardinal. Because of this role, he also took on the responsibility for Ostia and Velletri on December 18, 1775.

He participated in several more Papal conclaves, including those in 1769, 1774–1775, and 1799–1800. He was also made the chief priest of the Liberian basilica and the head of the S. C. ceremonial, which organized important Church events.

Later Life and Legacy

Gian Francesco Albani was known for supporting Austria and being against France. When the French army invaded the Papal States in 1798, he had to leave Rome. He went to Naples and then to Venice. The Papal conclave of 1800 was held in Venice because Rome was not safe.

He passed away in Rome on September 15, 1803, at the age of 83. His funeral was held at the church of Santa Maria in Vallicella in Rome. He was buried in the patriarchal Liberian basilica, a very important church.

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  Gian Francesco Albani