13 Facts About Giovanni Benelli

Giovanni Benelli was an Italian Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Florence from 1977 until his death.

Giovanni Benelli previously served as Deputy Secretary of State for the Holy See from 1967 until he was appointed to Florence and made a cardinal the same year.

Giovanni Benelli was born 12 May 1921 in Poggiole di Vernio, Tuscany, to Luigi and Maria Benelli.

Giovanni Benelli received the clerical tonsure on 23 December 1939, and was eventually ordained a priest on 31 October 1943 by Bishop Giuseppe Debernardi.

Giovanni Benelli finished his studies at the Gregorian in 1947, and undertook pastoral work in Rome until 1950.

Giovanni Benelli's abilities were noticed by the Church, becoming private secretary in 1946 to Deputy Secretary of State Giovanni Battista Montini.

Giovanni Benelli joined the diplomatic service in 1948, and was raised to the rank of Monsignor on 16 July 1950.

Giovanni Benelli served as the Secretary of nunciatures to Ireland and to France.

Giovanni Benelli was then appointed to the following posts: auditor of nunciature to Brazil, counsellor of nunciature to Spain, and permanent observer of Holy See to UNESCO in Paris.

Giovanni Benelli worked closely with his former master, now Pope Paul VI, and remained in this post for ten years.

Giovanni Benelli was promoted to Archbishop of Florence on 3 June 1977, and was created Cardinal-Priest of Santa Prisca by Paul VI in the consistory of 27 June 1977.

Giovanni Benelli was one of the cardinal electors in the conclaves of August and October 1978.

Giovanni Benelli continued in his capacity of Cardinal and Archbishop of Florence until 26 October 1982 when he died of a sudden heart attack in Florence, at age 61.