He was sent to the Theological Faculty, Crocetto Salesian Athenaeum in Turin, (1948–1949) and later the Pontifical Roman Seminary, Rome where he took a doctorate in utroque iure, both canon and civil law, (1953).

After his priestly ordination on 25 June 1944[1] and six years of pastoral work in his home diocese, he began a career in the diplomatic service of the Holy See.

Following these assignments and episcopal consecration on 16 September 1973,[1] he served as Apostolic Nuncio (Papal Ambassador) successively to Peru, Lebanon, Brazil and Italy.

Pope John Paul II appointed him Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem on 16 December 1995.

Cardinal Furno resigned this office in June 2007 and was succeeded by American Archbishop John Patrick Foley, who had been serving as the President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, an important department of the Roman Curia.