A Jesuit from the age of 16, he was expelled from the Society of Jesus in 1884 after spending the preceding decade challenging perceived political and spiritual problems within the Catholic Church.

Curci joined the Society of Jesus in 1826, and was devoted to the education and care of the poor and prisoners.

In his edition of the New Testament, Curci harshly criticized Italian clergy for neglecting to study Scripture.

He was condemned in Rome, and in a letter to The Times (September 10, 1884), he delivered an account of his disobedience to the decrees of the Roman Congregation, stating: "I am a dutiful son of the Church who hesitates to obey an order of his mother because he does not see the maternal authority in it.

During this time, Cardinal Henry Edward Manning put his purse at Curci's disposal.