Camillo Laurenti was born in Monte Porzio Catone, and studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, from where he obtained his doctorates in philosophy and in theology.

Whilst serving as professor of philosophy at the Pontifical Urbanian Athenaeum De Propaganda Fide (1892–1908), he was raised to the rank of Privy Chamberlain Supernumerary on 3 August 1889.

As Secretary, he served as the second-highest official of that dicastery, successively under Cardinals Girolamo Maria Gotti, Domenico Serafini, and Willem van Rossum.

Pope Pius XI then appointed Laurenti Prefect of Sacred Congregation of Religious on 5 July of that same year.

After six years as the Vatican overseer of all Roman Catholic religious institutes, the Cardinal was made Pro-Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Rites on 17 December 1928, rising to become full Prefect on 12 March 1929.