|
||||
Name:
Pope Innocent XI
Born: Benedetto Odescalchi
Preceded by: Clement X (1670 - 1676)
Succeeded by: Alexander VIII (1689 - 1691)
Roman Catholic Pope #241
Dates:
Born: May 19, 1615 (Italy)
Died: August 12, 1689
Pope: September 21, 1676 - August 12, 1689 (12 years, 10 months, 22 days)
Feast Day: August 12
Beatified: 1956
Biography:
Odescalchi was originally expected to succeed Clement IX, but King Louis XIV of France
used his power to prevent that from happening. Much the same thing nearly happened
again after the death of Clement X, but by that point Odescalchi was too popular and
Louis had to accept his election. Taking the name Innocent XI in memory of Innocent X,
from whom he received his appointment as Cardinal-Deacon in 1645, his earliest actions
were attempts to reform the administration of the Vatican. He sought to reduce expenses,
eliminate nepotism, and streamline decision-making.
Much of his reign was marred by his conflicts with the King of France who, at this time, was seeking to drastically expand his power and influence. In 1682, Louis convinced the French clergy to publish the divisive document Gallican Articles. This text denied that the pope had any authority in secular matters and that the was subordinate to the power of general councils. Innocent, naturally enough, denounced these articles. Louis, for his part, tried to win over Innocent XI by pretending to be a zealous Catholic - for example, he revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685 and engaged in widespread persecution of French Protestants (Huguenots).
Innocent XI's relationship with the French never entirely healed and, in fact, the conflict nearly lead to a church schism. French clergy continued to hold a grudge against him until long after he died and even halted the process of his canonization in 1744. It was not until 1956 that he was finally granted that status of "Blessed".
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
-->Popes and the Papacy: History, Doctrines, News About Popes
The pope may be the most visible and famous symbol of the Catholic Church. It is the office of the papacy and the assumed link back to the original apostles that differentiates Roman Catholicism from other Christian denominations. The office of the papacy is rather complicated and, much to the chagrin of believers, comes with a rather checkered past.Pope John Paul II: Biography, History, and Policies
John Paul II has been one of the longest-lived and most influential popes in the history of the Catholic Church. For good or for ill, his policies and personality have helped shape not only the current character of Catholicism but also the direction Catholicism will take for generations to come. Because of that, it's important to take the time to carefully consider what his policies have been and how they have affected Catholics around the world.Electing the Next Pope: Index of Resources on Papal Elections
Every human is mortal, and that includes popes. Some live and reign for extraordinarily long times while others only serve for a few days, but in the end all die and a new pope must be elected. How are papal elections run? A papal election is a process that is shrouded in secrecy; the details of any one election are supposed to be kept hidden, but general information is known.Book Reviews: Roman Catholic Popes, Papacy, History
Who or what is the pope? The title pope stems from the Greek word papas, which simply means "father." Early in Christian history it was used as a formal title expressing affectionate respect for any bishop and sometimes even priests. Today it continues to be used in Eastern Orthodox churches for the patriarch of Alexandria.
