Gaetano Alimonda was born in
Genoa on 23 October 1818. He studied at the
University of Genoa. He earned a doctorate in theology. He was ordained a priest on 10 June 1843. He lectured at the seminary before becoming vice-superior and, finally, rector in 1854. His authorities backed his resistance to obstinate supporters of papal privileges, and he wrote for journals that advocated for moderation and tolerance with Italian unity. He was committed to an increased role for the laity and therefore worked to develop Catholic publishing and undertook an extensive program of preaching, modeled on the work of
Lacordaire in France, in defense of Christian civilization against rationalism. He received his red
galero as well as the title of
Santa Maria in Traspontina in the consistory of 22 September 1879. Pope Leo appointed him archbishop of Turin on 9 August 1883. In 1887, at Pope Leo's suggestion, he wrote a tract advocating rapprochement:
I voti degli italiani per la pace religiosa. He died in a convent in the
Albaro neighborhood of Genoa of liver disease on 30 May 1891. ==References==