Roman Catholic Cardinal. Catania born Giuseppe Francica-Nava de Bontifè entered seminary in Caltanissetta, later pursuing his studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Academy of Ecclesiastical Nobles in Rome, obtaining doctorates in theology, philosophy and utroque iuris in both civil and canon laws, being in the meantime ordained priest in May 1869. Back in Caltanissetta he was soon named rector of the seminary, pro-vicar and successively vicar general of the diocese and honorary canon of the cathedral chapter. Distinguishing himself for his interest in the social problems present at the period, the clergy formation and the catechetical instruction of the youth, at the age of thirty seven he was appointed auxiliary of the named diocese, receiving his episcopal consecration with the titular see of Alabanda on October 21, 1883. Promoted to the titular archbishopric see of Eraclea on May 24, 1889 and appointed apostolic nuncio in Belgium on the following June 6, on March 18, 1895, he was named archbishop of the metropolitan see of Catania, Sicily, and on August 6 of the following year, apostolic nuncio in Spain. Pope Leo XIII created him cardinal priest with the title of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo in the consistory of June 19, 1899. Decorated with the Légion d'honneur of France in 1876, the Grand Croix Leopoldianne of Belgium in 1893 and the Gran Cruz de Carlos III of Spain the following year, the Cardinal died in his native Catania after receiving extreme unction from Bishop Giovanni Jacono of Caltanisetta. On his death, he was the protoprete of the Sacred College of Cardinals.
Roman Catholic Cardinal. Catania born Giuseppe Francica-Nava de Bontifè entered seminary in Caltanissetta, later pursuing his studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Academy of Ecclesiastical Nobles in Rome, obtaining doctorates in theology, philosophy and utroque iuris in both civil and canon laws, being in the meantime ordained priest in May 1869. Back in Caltanissetta he was soon named rector of the seminary, pro-vicar and successively vicar general of the diocese and honorary canon of the cathedral chapter. Distinguishing himself for his interest in the social problems present at the period, the clergy formation and the catechetical instruction of the youth, at the age of thirty seven he was appointed auxiliary of the named diocese, receiving his episcopal consecration with the titular see of Alabanda on October 21, 1883. Promoted to the titular archbishopric see of Eraclea on May 24, 1889 and appointed apostolic nuncio in Belgium on the following June 6, on March 18, 1895, he was named archbishop of the metropolitan see of Catania, Sicily, and on August 6 of the following year, apostolic nuncio in Spain. Pope Leo XIII created him cardinal priest with the title of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo in the consistory of June 19, 1899. Decorated with the Légion d'honneur of France in 1876, the Grand Croix Leopoldianne of Belgium in 1893 and the Gran Cruz de Carlos III of Spain the following year, the Cardinal died in his native Catania after receiving extreme unction from Bishop Giovanni Jacono of Caltanisetta. On his death, he was the protoprete of the Sacred College of Cardinals.
Bio by: Eman Bonnici
Inscription
HEIC QUIESCIT IN PACE CHRISTI
IOSEPH CARD. FRANCICA NAVA
ARCHIEPISCOPUS CATANENSIUM
DOCTRINA PRUDENTIA CHARITATE EFFULGENS
DIOCESIS XXXIV ANNOS REXIT INSTAURAVIT
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