 During his seven years of official life in Rome he modestly declined all further honours, refusing the Bishopric of Asti.He welcomed the expiration of his third term, in the scholar's hope that he would be allowed to enjoy a life of retirement and study, but his intimate friend, Pope Alexander VII, wishing to honour his learning and piety, made him Consultor to the Congregation of the Index and to the Holy Office.In 1669 Clement IX, made him cardinal.