Fabrizio Paolucci

Fabrizio Paolucci (2 April 1651 – 12 June 1726) was an Italian cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, appointed by Pope Innocent XII.

Born at Forlì, he went to Rome at the age of eight, in 1659, to be educated by his grand-uncle, Francesco Paolucci.

Pope Innocent XII elevated him to the rank of cardinal in the consistory of 19 December 1698, and he became archbishop of Ferrara.

After the latter's death in 1724 Paolucci was again one of the leading candidates for the papacy, but again the imperial veto played its part.

However, with the election of Pope Benedict XIII, he resumed the role of Secretary of State and held the position until his death.