Venerable Sisto Riario Sforza

Profile

Born to the nobility of Naples, Italy, the son Giovanni Antonio Riario Sforza and Maria Gaetana Cattaneo della Volta. Ordained on 1 September 1833. Privy chamberlain to the pope. Chosen bishop of Aversa, Italy on 12 April 1845. Private secretary to Pope Gregory XVI. Chosen Archbishop of Naples, Italy 24 November 1845. Cardinal-priest of Saint Sabina on 19 January 1846. Participated in the conclave of 1846 that elected Pope Pius IX. Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals. Council Father to the First Vatican Council. Pope Leo XIII said he would never consider accepting the papacy as long as a man like Cardinal Sisto was available.