Blessed Pope Innocent Xi

Biography

Blessed Pope Innocent XI, also known as Benedetto Odescalchi, was born on 19 May 1611 in Como, Italy, into a devout patrician family. His brother later became the bishop of Novara, Italy. From an early age, Benedetto felt a call to the priesthood and his education was entrusted to the Jesuits in Como.

At the age of fifteen, Benedetto began his apprenticeship at his family's bank in Genoa, Italy. However, he continued his studies and pursued a legal education in Rome and Naples, eventually earning his Doctor of Law degree in 1639.

In 1639, Pope Urban VIII appointed Benedetto as the Protonotary apostolic, and he served as the President of the Apostolic Chamber. Later, he became a Commissary at Ancona, Italy, and a papal administrator of Macerata and the Marches. He also held positions such as the Governor of Picena and a Cardinal-deacon, assigned to the Santi Cosma e Damiano Church.

Notably, Pope Innocent XI was appointed as the papal legate to Ferrara, Italy, in 1648, where he was given the crucial responsibility of overseeing famine relief. After serving as the bishop of Novara, Italy, from 1650 to 1656, he participated in the conclave of 1655, which led to the selection of Pope Alexander VII.

In 1660, Pope Innocent XI became the Camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals. He served as the papal legate to Ferrara once again in 1666 and actively participated in the conclaves of 1667 and 1669-1670, during which Pope Clement IX was chosen.

On 21 September 1676, after a two-month interregnum, Benedetto Odescalchi was elected the 240th Pope and took the name Innocent XI. As Pope, he fiercely opposed the interference of King Louis XIV of France in Church affairs. When Louis attempted to regain papal favor by persecuting Protestants, Pope Innocent XI swiftly advocated for an end to the abuse.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Innocent XI fought against nepotism within the Church bureaucracy and endeavored to reduce the expenses of the Curia. He placed great importance on catechetical instruction and encouraged the practice of daily Communion among the faithful.

While he disapproved of King James II's approach to restoring Catholicism in England, Pope Innocent XI did not support William of Orange against the king, as has been falsely claimed. He also combated various heresies, including Jansenism, Quietism, and Molinos' teachings.

Pope Innocent XI had a deep devotion to simplicity and piety, evident in both his personal life and his tenure as Pope. He condemned vices such as gambling and immodesty in dress and emphasized the need for a high standard of education within seminaries.

Blessed Pope Innocent XI passed away on 12 August 1689 in Rome, Italy, due to natural causes. He was buried in a mausoleum under the altar of San Sebastiano in Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

Recognized for his holiness and exemplary life, Pope Pius XII beatified Innocent XI on 7 October 1956. His feast day is celebrated on 12 August.