Emidio Taliani was born in Montegallo, and studied at the University of Rome, from where he obtained his doctorates in theology and in canon and civil law.

After being raised to the rank of Privy Chamberlain supernumerary, Taliani became auditor (16 May 1869) and chargé d'affaires (1870) of the nunciature to Germany.

Taliani then entered the service of the Roman Curia upon being named a referendary prelate of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature on 17 March 1880.

Taliani was made a Pope Leo XIII created him a cardinal in the consistory of 22 June 1903, whereupon he ceased to serve as Nuncio.

Later that year, Taliani participated in the papal conclave which selected Leo's successor, Pope Pius X.