Lambruschini, Louis

Lambruschini, Louis an eminent Italian prelate and statesman, was born at Genoa May 16, 1776. Having entered the Order of Barnabites, he became bishop of Sabine, then archbishop of Genoa; was sent to France as papal nuncio during the reign of Charles X, and finally created cardinal September 30, 1831. Pope Gregory XVI appointed him abbot of Santa Maria di Farfa, secretary of state for foreign affairs, librarian of the Church, grand prior of the order of St. John of Jerusalem, grand chancellor of the order of St. Gregory, and prefect of the congregation of studies. Opposed to all innovations, Lambruschini took an active part in all the religious and political persecutions which marked the pontifical career of Gregory XVI, and became consequently very unpopular. In 1845 he surrendered the direction of public instruction to cardinal Mezzofante. On the death of Gregory XVI in 1846, Lambruschini came very near being elected pope. Pius IX appointed him member of the states council, and restored him to the secretaryship and librarianship of the Vatican. In 1847 he was also made bishop of Porto de San Rufina and of Civita Vecchia, chancellor of the pontifical orders, and subdean of the sacred college. When the revolution broke out in Italy Lambruschini was in danger, and fled to Civita Vecchia, but, not finding more security there, he returned to Rome. In 1848 he fled first to Naples, and afterwards joined, Pius IX at Gaeta. He re-entered Rome with the pope in 1850, and was appointed cardinal of the papal household. He is said to have then advised measures of moderation, which were rejected by cardinal Antonelli. He died May 12, 1854. His principal works were translated into French, under the title Meditations sur les Vertus de Sainte Therese, precedees d'un abrege de sa vie (Paris, 1827,18mo): — Sur l'Immaculee Conception de Matrie, dissertation polemique (Paris and Besanqon, 1843, 8vo): — Devotion au Sacre Coeur de Jesus, etc. (Par. 1857, 18mo). See Dict. de la Conversation; Bourquelot et Maury, La Litterature Francaise Contemp.; Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, 29:175. (J.N.P.)