Innocent XI | |
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Bishop of Rome | |
![]() Portrait by Jacob Ferdinand Voet, 1670s | |
Church | Catholic Church |
Papacy began | 21 September 1676 |
Papacy ended | 12 August 1689 |
Predecessor | Clement X |
Successor | Alexander VIII |
Previous post(s) |
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Orders | |
Ordination | 20 November 1650 by Francesco Maria Macchiavelli |
Consecration | 29 January 1651 by Francesco Maria Macchiavelli |
Created cardinal | 6 March 1645 by Innocent X |
Personal details | |
Born | Benedetto Odescalchi 16 May 1611 |
Died | 12 August 1689 Rome, Papal States | (aged 78)
Motto | Avarus non implebitur ("The covetous man is not (never) satisfied [with money]") |
Coat of arms | ![]() |
Sainthood | |
Feast day |
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Venerated in | Catholic Church |
Title as Saint | Blessed |
Beatified | 7 October 1956 Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City by Pope Pius XII |
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Patronage | |
Other popes named Innocent |
Pope Innocent XI (Latin: Innocentius XI; Italian: Innocenzo XI; 16 May 1611 – 12 August 1689), born Benedetto Odescalchi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 21 September 1676 until his death in 12 August 1689.
Political and religious tensions with Louis XIV of France were a constant preoccupation for Innocent XI. Within the Papal States, he lowered taxes, produced a surplus in the papal budget and repudiated nepotism within the Church. Innocent XI was frugal in his governance of the Papal States, his methods evident in matters ranging from his manner of dress to a wide range of standards of personal behavior consistent with his conception of 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.[4][5][6] In consideration of his diplomatic and financial support for efforts to free Hungary from Turkish domination, he is still widely referred to in the country as the "Saviour of Hungary".[7]
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 in 1956 by Pope Pius XII.
At the square's centre is a statue of Pope Innocent XI, who is known as the 'saviour of Hungary' because of his endeavors in funding the European forces that freed Hungary from Turkish rule.
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