Cardinal Agostino Cacciavillan, President emeritus of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, was born on August 14, 1926 in Novale di Valdagno (Vicenza), Italy. He was ordained for the Diocese of Vicenza on June 26, 1949.

He served as a curate for three years before earning advanced degrees in social science and law and attending the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome. He was later posted to the Philippines, Spain, Portugal and the Secretariat of State.

On January 17, 1976 Pope Paul VI appointed him Apostolic Pro-Nuncio in Kenya and Apostolic Delegate in Seychelles, promoting him to titular Archbishop of Amiternum. He received episcopal ordination on February 28. Other posts included Apostolic Pro-Nuncio in India (1981) and Pro-Nuncio in Nepal (1985), Apostolic Nuncio in the United States of America and Permanent Observer at the Organization of American States (1990).

On November 5, 1998 he was nominated President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.

President emeritus of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, October 1, 2002.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of February 21, 2001, of the Deaconry of Ss. Angeli Custodi a Città Giardino (the Holy Guardian Angels at Città Giardino).

He was appointed Cardinal-Priest of Santi Angeli Custodi a Città Giardino on Febuary 21, 2011.