Blessed Pope Innocent XI

Biography

Blessed Pope Innocent XI, also known as Benedetto Odescalchi, was born on May 19, 1611, in Como, Italy. He hailed from a pious patrician family and felt a strong calling to the priesthood from an early age. His brother would go on to become the bishop of Novara, Italy.

Benedetto received his education from the Jesuits in Como, Italy, and later studied law in Rome and Naples, earning his Doctor of Law degree in 1639. He began his career as an apprentice at his family's bank in Genoa, Italy, when he was just fifteen.

In the service of the Church, Benedetto became the protonotary apostolic to Pope Urban VIII and later served as the president of the Apostolic Chamber. He held various positions, including commissary at Ancona, Italy, papal administrator of Macerata, Italy, and papal financial commissary in the Marches. He also served as the governor of Picena.

On March 6, 1645, Benedetto was appointed as the cardinal-deacon of Santi Cosma e Damiano and later became the prefect of the Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature of Grace on January 22, 1647. He was further elevated to the position of cardinal-priest of Sant' Onofrio.

During his tenure, he was appointed as the papal legate to Ferrara, Italy where he oversaw famine relief efforts in 1648. He became the bishop of Novara, Italy, on April 4, 1650, and held this position until March 6, 1656. Known for his generous spirit, he spent all the revenues of his see on charity for the poor and sick.

In the conclave of 1655, Benedetto was part of the decision-making process that elected Pope Alexander VII. He then served as the camerlengo of the Sacred College of Cardinals from January 12, 1660, to January 24, 1661. In 1666, he returned to Ferrara as the papal legate. Benedetto was also involved in the conclaves of 1667 and 1669-1670, which elected Pope Clement IX and Pope Clement X respectively. It is worth noting that he came close to being elected pope himself during the latter conclave.

Finally, on September 21, 1676, after a two-month interregnum, Benedetto Odescalchi was chosen as the 240th pope, taking the name Innocent XI. As pontiff, he stood firmly against King Louis XIV of France's meddling in Church affairs and strongly advocated for a halt to the abuse perpetrated against the Protestants by the French king.

Pope Innocent XI fought against nepotism within the Church bureaucracy and worked tirelessly to reduce the expenses of the Curia. He was a strong proponent of catechetical instruction and emphasized the importance of daily Communion. He condemned gambling, immodesty in dress, and laxism in moral theology.

Despite some misconceptions, Blessed Pope Innocent XI did not support William of Orange against King James II's attempts to restore Catholicism in England. Additionally, he battled against Jansenism, Quietism, and the heresies promoted by Molinos.

Known for his simple and pious life, both before and after his ascension to the papacy, Pope Innocent XI passed away on August 12, 1689, in Rome, Italy, due to natural causes. He was laid to rest in a mausoleum under the altar of San Sebastiano in Saint Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

Recognized for his virtues and contributions to the Church, Pope Pius XII beatified Pope Innocent XI on October 7, 1956. He is honored as a patron by the Bavarian Congregation.