| Pope Innocent XI ♁ | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Names | |
| Birth Name: | Benedetto Odescalchi |
| Title(s): | Bishop of Rome Head of the Roman Catholic Church |
| Biographical Information | |
| Predecessor: | Clement X |
| Successor: | Alexander VII |
| Age: | 78 |
| Born: | May 16, 1611 |
| Dies: | August 12, 1689 |
| Birthplace: | Como, Lombardy, Duchy of Milan |
| Originally From: | Italy |
| Religion: | Roman Catholic |
| Physical Description | |
| Status: | Alive |
| Gender: | Male |
| Eye Colour: | Brown |
| Hair Colour: | Grey |
| Relationships | |
| Parents: | Livio Odescalchi (father) Paola Castelli Giovanelli (mother) |
| Affiliations: | The Vatican |
| TV Character Information | |
| First Episode: | Truth Will Out (mentioned) |
Innocent XI, born Benedetto Odescalchi, was the Head of the Roman Catholic Church from 21 September 1676 to his death.
Biography[]
Much of his reign was concerned with tension with Louis XIV of France. A conservative, he lowered taxes in the Papal States during his pontificate and he also produced a surplus in the papal budget. Because of this surplus he repudiated excessive nepotism within the Church. Innocent XI was frugal in matters of governing the Papal States, from dress to leading a life with Christian values. Once he was elected to the Papacy, he applied himself to moral and administrative reform of the Roman Curia. He abolished sinecures and pushed for greater simplicity in preaching as well as greater reverence in worship—requesting this of both the clergy and faithful.
After a difficult cause for canonization, starting in 1791, which caused considerable controversy over the years and which was stopped on several occasions, he was beatified with no opposition in 1956 by Pope Pius XII.
Historical Facts[]
- He is known in Budapest as the "Saviour of Hungary".
- Innocent XI was no less intent on preserving the purity of faith and morals among all people. He insisted on thorough education and an exemplary lifestyle for all people and he passed strict rules in relation to the modesty of dress among Roman women.
- Furthermore, he put an end to the ever-increasing passion for gambling by suppressing the gambling houses at Rome.