He was born the son of a butcher of the then Hungarian town of Komárom, Michael Senelli, and baptized under the name Johann Anton.

Sinelli was the first missionary designated for the conversion of Protestants in Lower Austria, then in Prague and in the Viennese Schottenkirche.

On 17 November 1680, the Emperor appointed him Prince-Bishop of Vienna, but as a mendicant Sinelli was reluctant to accept this honor.

Sinelli was then made First Minister on the Imperial Privy Council in 1682, but continued to lead his characteristically modest life.

Sinelli died before receiving his elevation to cardinal, and is buried in the episcopal tomb of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.