Mezzofanti was born in a humble family in Bologna, Italy.

His father , Francis Mezzofanti, was a carpenter.

His mother, Gesualda Dall'Olmo had a famous name in Bologna but had the same humble background as her husband.

Who you parents were was quite an important factor in your life at that time, and it is quite exceptional that Mezzofanti could become a Cardinal in the catholic church.

He had one sister 10 years older than him who had 15 children.