Leonardo was born in San Martino di Paravanico, near modern-day Ceranesi in the Polcevera valley.

He was elected by a commission[3] despite the fact that a large share of the population supported Antoniotto Adorno.

[4] Once in office, like his predecessors, Montaldo tried to reorganize the Republic and in particular the fiscal system.

But on 11 June 1384 it became clear that he had contracted the plague during an outbreak in the city and he died in Genoa three days later.

Antoniotto Adorno was elected doge the next day.