During some pontificates, for example that of Pope Pius V (1566–1572) and his nephew Michele Bonelli, the cardinal-nephew and secretary of state were one and the same.
Pada masa jabatan beberapa Paus, contohnya Paus Pius V (1566–1572) dan keponakannya Michele Bonelli, jabatan kardinal keponakan dan sekretaris negara dipegang oleh satu orang yang sama.