When Cardinal Rampolla had to leave his post with the election of his opponent Pope Pius X, and was succeeded by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val, della Chiesa was retained in his post.
Ketika Kardinal Rampolla harus meninggalkan jabatannya dengan pemilihan lawannya Paus Pius X, dan digantikan oleh Kardinal Rafael Merry del Val, della Chiesa dipertahankan di posnya.