Cardinal Giacomo Antontelli (1806-1876)

Did you know that at one time Deacons could be made Cardinals? Well, today marks the death of Cardinal Giacomo Antonelli (1806-1876), secretary of state for Pope Blessed Pius IX and one of the last Cardinal Deacons. Born in Sonnino, he was educated for the priesthood and took minor orders, but he decided against becoming a priest. As a deacon, he pursued an administrative career in the Papal States. In 1841, he entered the office of the Secretariat of State. In 1845, he became pontifical treasurer general. When Blessed Pius IX was elected in 1846, his star began to really rise. In 1847, he was created a Cardinal Deacon. In 1850, Pius made him Cardinal Secretary of State, and he devoted most of his energy to preserving the Papal States in the face of Italian unification. Antonelli was one of the last of the Cardinal Deacons. Until 1918, a man could take minor orders and still be made a cardinal. After 1918, he had to be a priest.