Pietro Giannelli (11 August 1807 – 5 November 1881) was an Italian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who was created a cardinal in 1875.
Born in Terni in the Papal States, Giannelli was ordained to the priesthood on 3 October 1830 by Bishop Niccola Mazzoni. He was appointed titular Archbishop of Sardes on 6 June 1858, receiving episcopal consecration from Cardinal Costantino Patrizi Naro. Giannelli subsequently served in the Roman Curia, first as Secretary for Seminaries of the Congregation of the Council (1861–1868) and then as Secretary of the Congregation of the Council (1868–1875).
On 15 March 1875 Pope Pius IX elevated Giannelli to the College of Cardinals, assigning him the title of Cardinal‑Priest of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura. He held this cardinalatial title until his death on 5 November 1881 in Rome, at the age of 74.
Giannelli’s ecclesiastical career was marked by his involvement in the administration of the Council of the Catholic Church’s internal affairs, particularly in matters concerning seminaries and clerical discipline. His tenure coincided with a period of significant political and social change in Italy, including the unification of the Italian state.
References
- “Pietro Giannelli.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietro_Giannelli.
- “Pietro Giannelli.” Catholic-Hierarchy. https://catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bgianp.html.