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Greek. Naturally, news of these unique abilities started to spread across Italy.

Easy come, easy go

As Mezzofanti’s reputation spread, he became a fixture in high society. He was invited to live in Paris (he declined), met nobility from all over Europe and beyond, conversing with each nobleman in their own language, and ended becoming a cardinal in Rome after a rebellion in Bologna forced him south. The pope allegedly said that Mezzofanti’s arrival in Rome was the only good thing to come of the rebellion!