Carlo Laurenzi

Carlo Laurenzi (January 12, 1821 – November 2, 1893) was an Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Rites from 1889 until his death, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1884.

Carlo Laurenzi was born in Perugia, and studied at the University of Perugia, from where he obtained his doctorates in theology (December 1, 1843) and in canon and civil law (January 17, 1845).

He was ordained to the priesthood on September 23, 1843, and finished his studies in 1845. Laurenzi was later made a canon of the cathedral chapter of Perugia in June 1846, the pro-vicar general of Perugia in February 1847, and a Privy Chamberlain supernumerary of His Holiness in 1853. He also served as President of the Theological College at his alma mater of the University of Perugia, and became a canon archpriest in 1857.

On June 22, 1877, Laurenzi was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Perugia and Titular Bishop of Amathus in Palaestina by Pope Pius IX, receiving his episcopal consecration from Cardinal Gioacchino Pecci, the future Pope Leo XIII. He was later named an Assistant at the Pontifical Throne on March 13, 1878, Auditor Sanctissimi on May 15, 1879, and Assessor of the Sacred Congregation of the Supreme Roman and Universal Inquisition on March 30, 1882.