francica was ordained to the priesthood on 22 may 1869. during his studies at the pontifical academy of ecclesiastical nobles (1870-1880), he served as rector of the caltanissetta seminary for three years, becoming the pro-vicar general (1877) and later full vicar general of the diocese. after becoming an honorary canon of the diocese's cathedral chapter, he was raised to the rank of privy chamberlain of his holiness in 1876 and domestic prelate of his holiness on 4 march 1879.