Luigi Nazari di Calabiana
Luigi Nazari di Calabiana was an Italian churchman and politician who served as the Archbishop of Milan from 1867 until his death in 1893. He was also a senator of the Kingdom of Sardinia and played a role in political debates concerning the Catholic Church's privileges in Piedmont. Nazari di Calabiana is remembered for his social work in Milan, the construction of new churches, and the discovery of relics of local saints.
Key Facts
- ›Appointed Bishop of Casale Monferrato in 1847.
- ›Served as a senator of the Kingdom of Sardinia from 1848.
- ›Opposed Siccardi reforms and led opposition to further church reforms in 1855, causing the Calabiana crisis.
- ›Named Archbishop of Milan in 1867, resolving a pastoral crisis in the diocese.
- ›Led the minority of Italian bishops opposing papal infallibility at the First Vatican Council but later subscribed to the dogma.
- ›Known for social activity, building churches, and discovering relics of Saint Ambrose, Gervasius, and Protasius.
- Involved In Saving the Cathedral of Casale Monferrato From Demolition.
- Led Opposition To Reforms Affecting Church Privileges In Piedmont.
- Resolved the Pastoral Crisis In the Archdiocese of Milan Upon His Appointment.
- Initiated Social Activities and the Erection of New Churches In Milan's Suburbs.
- Discovered the Relics of Saints Ambrose, Gervasius, and Protasius.
- Led the Minority Opposing Papal Infallibility At the First Vatican Council.
Archbishop, Senator
About Luigi Nazari di Calabiana
Luigi Nazari di Calabiana (1808-1893)
Luigi Nazari di Calabiana was a significant Italian churchman and politician who held the position of Archbishop of Milan from 1867 until his death in 1893. His life and career spanned a period of considerable political and religious change in Italy, including the unification of the country.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Savigliano in 1808, Nazari di Calabiana came from a noble family. He was appointed bishop of Casale Monferrato in 1847 and was consecrated in Rome. During his tenure as bishop, he was involved in preserving the city's Romanesque cathedral from demolition. His political career began in 1848 when he was nominated as a senator of the Kingdom of Sardinia. He actively participated in parliamentary debates, notably opposing the Siccardi reforms of 1850, which sought to curtail certain privileges of the Catholic Church in Piedmont. He further led opposition to reforms in 1855 aimed at establishing a "free church in a free state," a stance that led to the "Calabiana crisis" and contributed to the resignation of Cavour, though the legislation was ultimately passed.
Archbishop of Milan
In 1867, Pope Pius IX named Nazari di Calabiana as the Archbishop of Milan. His appointment was crucial as it resolved a pastoral crisis in the large archdiocese. The previous archbishop, Paolo Angelo Ballerini, had been suggested by the Austrian emperor but was unable to take up his post following Sardinia's acquisition of Lombardy. Nazari di Calabiana's appointment ensured that Milan once again had a resident bishop. He was considered to hold conciliatory positions in relation to the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy, contrasting with Ballerini, who remained a staunch opponent of the monarchy while residing near Milan.
Notable Contributions
As Archbishop of Milan, Nazari di Calabiana is remembered for his extensive social activities and for promoting the erection of new churches in the growing suburbs of the city. A notable archaeological achievement during his episcopate was the discovery of the relics of Saint Ambrose, Saint Gervasius, and Saint Protasius, found in an ancient sarcophagus buried beneath the altar of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.
At the First Vatican Council, Nazari di Calabiana played a prominent role as the leader of the minority group of Italian bishops who opposed the doctrine of papal infallibility. Despite his initial opposition, he promptly subscribed to the dogma after its official proclamation.
Luigi Nazari di Calabiana died in Milan on October 23, 1893.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Luigi Nazari di Calabiana?
Luigi Nazari di Calabiana was an Italian churchman and politician. He served as a senator for the Kingdom of Sardinia and later as the Archbishop of Milan from 1867 until his death in 1893.
What was his role in the Kingdom of Sardinia's politics?
He was nominated as a senator by King Charles Albert in 1848. Nazari di Calabiana was known for opposing reforms that aimed to reduce the privileges of the Catholic Church in Piedmont, notably leading to the Calabiana crisis.
Why was his appointment as Archbishop of Milan significant?
His appointment in 1867 resolved a crisis in the large Archdiocese of Milan. The previous archbishop could not enter the city after Sardinia took possession of Lombardy, so Nazari di Calabiana's appointment ensured the diocese had a resident bishop.
What were his notable achievements as Archbishop of Milan?
As Archbishop of Milan, he is remembered for his social activities, the construction of new churches in the city's suburbs, and the discovery of the relics of Saints Ambrose, Gervasius, and Protasius under the altar of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.
What was his stance at the First Vatican Council?
At the First Vatican Council, Nazari di Calabiana led the minority of Italian bishops who opposed the introduction of the doctrine of papal infallibility. However, after the dogma was proclaimed, he promptly subscribed to it.
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