2nd Centenary of the Death of Cardinal Ercole Consalvi

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Cardinal Ercole Consalvi death’s, which occurred on January 24, 1824. Born in Rome on June 8, 1757, Consalvi received a solid education in history and law, with strong religious and theological foundations. He began his diplomatic career during the pontificate of Pius VI, but his remarkable qualities emerged especially under his successor, Pope Chiaramonti, who, shortly after his election, appointed him Pro-Secretary of State, later creating him Cardinal and then full Secretary of State. The profound cultural and social transformations brought about by the French Revolution made it more necessary than ever to establish a renewed relationship between the Church and the emerging political landscape of Europe. Consalvi's support facilitated his conclusion of agreements with several states, including Protestant Prussia (1821), Orthodox Russia (1818), and France, in 1801, after 13 months of gruelling negotiations with Napoleon Bonaparte. He held the position of Secretary of State on two occasions: from 15 March 1800 to 17 June 1806 and then from 19 May 1814 to 20 August 1823. All his speeches showed great openness and mediation skills, flexibility in dialogue and intelligent political and diplomatic skills. His genius appeared in all its grandeur at the Congress of Vienna, when he succeeded in obtaining for the Papal States much of what had been forcefully wrested from Emperor Napoleon. The anniversary commemorative stamp reproduces a painting by Jean Baptiste Wicar ( 1762-1834), preserved in Castel Gandolfo, depicting Cardinal Consalvi as he receives from Pope Pius VII the Ratification of the Concordat with France.