Fabrizio, a famous soldier-cardinal, was born of a noble family at Naples in 1744, and was educated for the church. He gained a reputation at Rome as treasurer of the pontifical chamber, and as a cardinal. He was also well known in his native country as a courtier in 1798 when King Ferdinand I. fled to Sicily from before his republican subjects and the French. But his greatest fame was achieved in the following year, when he undertook to win back the kingdom of Naples to his sovereign. Landing at Bagnara, a fief of his family, he raised the royal standard. His hereditary influence in the district excited a favourable feeling towards him. The dignity he held in the church, and the large rewards he promised, completed the effect. As he advanced through Calabria, he received recruits from every village and town. "The army of the Holy Faith" (as he called it) swelled until it became irresistible in its march. Some cities were driven to yield through very terror. Others were taken by storm and pitilessly given over to rapine and slaughter. His enterprise, thus victoriously commenced, was soon facilitated by several favourable circumstances. Bands of English, Turks, and Russians, continued to augment his troops. The republicans were kept engaged by other royalist leaders. The French forces also were called to the north of Italy by pressing emergencies. Accordingly, he was enabled to march to the very walls of Naples without opposition. Nor did his good fortune forsake him there. An insurrection in favour of him arose within the town; the republican party surrendered to him; and on the 30th of June 1799 King Ferdinand I. arrived in the bay on board of one of Nelson's ships. Cardinal Ruffo died at Naples in 1827.