Gian Francesco Albani

Who was Gian Francesco Albani?

Gian Francesco Albani was a Roman Catholic Cardinal. He was a member of the Albani family.

Albani was born in Rome, the son of Carlo Albani, Duke of Soriano; his grand-uncle was Pope Clement XI. Furthermore, two of his uncles Annibale Albani and Alessandro Albani were cardinals, and was himself uncle of cardinal Giuseppe Albani.

In October 1740 he was made Protonotary apostolic, quickly followed by being made the vicar of the patriarchal Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in March 1742. Later in the same year, in November, he was made president of the Papal chamber; and also cleric of the Apostolic Chamber less than a year later. He further became relator of the S. C. of Indulgences and Sacred Relics in 1743.

On 10 April 1747 he was elevated to cardinal deacon in the consistory and was ceremonially elevated and given the deaconry of San Cesareo in Palatio on 15 May. He went on to receive the subdiaconate and the diaconate. He acted as Protector of the Kingdom of Poland in Roman Curia. In 1758 he participated in the Papal conclave.