Clemens XII Pope from July 12, 1730 to February 6, 1740 Date of Birth: 07.04.1652 Country: Italy

1. Pope from 1730 to 1740
2. Cardinal's Career
3. Election to the Papacy
4. Papacy: Restoring Papal Finances
5. Architectural Achievements
6. Political Challenges
7. Ecclesiastical Affairs
8. Death and Burial

Pope from 1730 to 1740

Born on April 7, 1652, in Florence, Italy, Lorenzo Corsini hailed from a noble family. After studying law in Pisa, he worked as an advocate under his uncle Cardinal Neri Corsini. In 1696, Corsini was appointed Treasurer General and Governor of Castel Sant'Angelo.

Cardinal's Career

Corsini's career flourished under Pope Clement XI, who made him a cardinal in 1706 while retaining his position as papal treasurer. Under Pope Benedict XIII, Corsini served as prefect of the papal tribunal, known as the "Segnatura di Giustizia," and as Cardinal-Bishop of Frascati.

Election to the Papacy

At the age of 78, Corsini was elected to the papacy in 1730. Due to his advanced age and poor health, he was known as Clement XII and ruled with the assistance of his nephew, Cardinal Neri Corsini.

Papacy: Restoring Papal Finances

Clement XII's first priority was to restore papal finances, which had been depleted by corrupt ministers under Pope Benedict XIII. He demanded restitution from those responsible and imposed punishment on Cardinal Niccolo Coscia, the main culprit. Clement XII also revived public lotteries, increasing papal revenues.

Architectural Achievements

Clement XII sponsored significant architectural projects in Rome. The facade of the Lateran Basilica was designed by Alessandro Galilei and completed in 1736. The Arch of Constantine was restored, and the Palazzo della Consulta on the Quirinal Hill was built. The pope also acquired a collection of sculptures and artwork from Cardinal Albani to enhance the Galleria Capitolina.

Political Challenges

During Clement XII's pontificate, the Bourbons conquered Naples and expelled the Habsburgs from southern Italy. This led to instability in Italy and concerns about the decline of papal authority.

Ecclesiastical Affairs

In 1738, Clement XII condemned Freemasonry. He canonized Vincent de Paul and continued to oppose Jansenism. Additionally, he pursued the reunification of the Roman and Eastern Orthodox churches.

Death and Burial

Clement XII died on February 6, 1740, at the age of 87. His remains were interred in his tomb in the Lateran Basilica. The tomb was designed by Filippo della Valle and features sculptures by Maini and Monaldi.