after having studied literature, leonardo loredan commenced his political ascent at the age of nineteen when he became a lawyer in the “giudici di petizion” - magistracy concerned mainly with financial scandals and bankruptcies. a few years later, leonardo sat on the “collegio dei savi” where he was responsible for assessing and evaluating foreign policy matters prior to their examination in senate. shortly after, leonardo became the “podestà” in the city of padua – the venetian equivalent of a governor ruling in the cities belonging to the republic. in 1492, leonardo loredan was elected as the procurator of san mark’s, a prestigious position that helped the future doge gain important political influence.