He knew classical and modern languages (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Spanish), and studied theology, philosophy and mathematics.

His diplomatic talent was appreciated by Philip IV of Spain, who made him royal chaplain and abbot.

After returning to Italy, he lived at the court of Pope Urban VIII, on whose behalf he translated and commented the works of Anacreon.

He died on August 28, 1634, and was buried in the church of San Domenico in Palermo (the Pantheon of Sicily).

[3] His most important work is Il Discorso dell'origine ed antichità di Palermo e dei primi abitatori della Sicilia (Discourse on the Origin and Antiquity of Palermo and the first inhabitants of Sicily) (1614).