 Rossi became known as a second Saint Philip Neri and he was known for a strong and special devotion to Saint Aloysius Gonzaga.His canon cousin Lorenzo wanted him as his coadjutor so as to ensure Rossi would become his successor; in tears he accepted (despite protesting) on 5 February 1735.But his cousin soon suffered a major stroke so violent that it shattered him to the point where his benign character became abrasive and often violent.