He was born in
Naples, son of Carlo Ruffo, 3rd Duke of Bagnara. He was educated at
La Sapienza University, becoming a
doctor of canon and civil law. He was a papal diplomat, elected
titular archbishop of Nicaea in 1698. On 13 Apr 1698, he was
consecrated bishop by
Fabrizio Spada,
Cardinal-Priest of
San Crisogono, with
Michelangelo dei Conti,
Titular Archbishop of
Tarsus, and
Francesco Acquaviva d'Aragona,
Titular Archbishop of
Larissa in Thessalia, serving as
co-consecrators. He was created cardinal-priest in 1706, despite having a cousin
Giacomo Boncompagni in the
College of Cardinals, with the title of S. Lorenzo in Panisperna. Having served as a
papal legate, he became archbishop of Ferrara in 1717. He took part in the
papal conclave, 1721 and the
papal conclave, 1724. He became
bishop of Palestrina in 1726 and participated in the
papal conclave, 1730. He was
bishop of Porto e Santa Rufina 1738. and participated in the
papal conclave, 1740. He became
Dean of the College of Cardinals and
bishop of Ostia e Velletri in 1740, and died in Rome on February 16, 1753. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living cardinal. ==Episcopal succession==