Francesco di Paola Villadecani

His Eminence Francesco di Paola Villadecani
Archbishop of Messina
Church	Roman Catholic Church
Archdiocese	Messina
See	Messina
Appointed	17 November 1823
Term ended	13 June 1861
Predecessor	Antonio Maria Trigona
Successor	Luigi Natoli
Other post(s)	Cardinal-Priest of Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio (1843-61)
Previous post(s)	Titular Bishop of Orthosia (1820-23)
Orders
Ordination	18 September 1802
Consecration	28 October 1820 by Silvestro Todaro
Created cardinal	27 January 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI
Rank	Cardinal-Priest
Personal details
Born	Francesco di Paola Villadecani 22 February 1780 Messina, Kingdom of Naples
Died	13 June 1861(1861-06-13) (aged 81) Messina, Kingdom of Italy
Buried	Messina Cathedral

Francesco di Paola Villadecani (22 February 1780 – 13 June 1861) was a cardinal of the Catholic Church who was Archbishop of Messina from 1823 to 1861.[1][2]

He was born on 22 February 1780 in Messina, Sicily, Italy. In 1820 he was named titular bishop of Orthosias in Caria. On 25 April 1823 he was elected Archbishop of Messina and his appointment was confirmed on 17 November.[1][2]

Pope Gregory XVI elevated him to the rank of cardinal in the consistory of 27 January 1843, assigning him as Cardinal Priest to Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio.[1][2]

In late 1857, due to possible dementia, an administrator, Giuseppe Maria Papardo, was appointed to manage the archdiocese for him. [2]

He died in Messina on 13 [or 14] June 1861 at the age of 81,[1] and was buried in the Cathedral of Messina, where his tomb can still be seen.[2]

References

1. "Francesco di Paola Cardinal Villadecan [Catholic-Hierarchy]". www.catholic-hierarchy.org. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
2. "The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church: Biographical Dictionary: Pope Gregory XVI (1831-1846): Consistory of January 27, 1843 (XX) (59) 1. VILLADECANI, Francesco di Paola (1780-1861)". Retrieved 26 November 2024.