Prior to his election as Patriarch Zane had served the government of Venice.
He had been ambassador or holder of similar office to Urbino, Portugal, Spain, Austria and the Ottoman Empire.
In the case of the Ottoman Empire he held the office of Bailo in Constantinople, which was considered the key position in the Venetian foreign service.
While serving as Bailo Zane expanded the number of consuls under his direction from nine to 10.
Zane lacked the degree in either theology or canon law mandated by the Council of Trent.