Innocentius XIII Pope from May 8, 1721 to March 7, 1724. Date of Birth: 13.05.1655 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Education
2. Papal Nunciature in Portugal
3. Election as Pope
4. Papal Reign
5. Decline and Death
6. Physical Appearance and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Michelangelo dei Conti, later Pope Innocent XIII, was born into a renowned Roman family on May 13, 1655, in Poli. The Conti family had played a significant role in the Church's history, with nine members serving as Popes, including Gregory IX, Alexander IV, and Innocent III.

Conti received his education from the Jesuits and held various positions within the apostolic nunciature. In 1706, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal-Priest.

Papal Nunciature in Portugal

From 1697 to 1710, Conti served as the papal nuncio to Portugal. During this time, he is believed to have developed negative sentiments towards the Jesuits, which influenced his subsequent interactions with the order.

Election as Pope

Following the death of Pope Clement XI in 1721, a conclave was held to select a new pontiff. Cardinal Conti received 75 votes and was elected on May 8, 1721, taking the name Innocent XIII in honor of Pope Innocent III. He was solemnly crowned on May 18.

Papal Reign

Despite suffering from ill health at the time of his election, Innocent XIII's pontificate was marked by prosperity and relative tranquility. He prohibited the Jesuits from expanding their mission in China. He also declined the request of French bishops to revoke the papal bull "Unigenitus," which condemned Jansenism.

Like his predecessor, Innocent XIII favored James Stuart, the "Old Pretender" to the British throne. The Pope's cousin, Francesco Maria Conti, became camerlengo of James's court in Rome.

Decline and Death

In 1724, Innocent XIII's health deteriorated. He suffered from a hidden hernia, which eventually burst, causing infection and fever. The Pope received the last rites and passed away on March 7, 1724, at the age of 69. He was buried in St. Peter's Basilica.

Physical Appearance and Legacy

Innocent XIII was a man of above-average stature and robust physique, with fair eyes and a large nose. He never allowed anyone but cardinals and ambassadors to sit in his presence, and all others were required to remain on their knees or standing.

In 2005, on the 350th anniversary of his birth, the citizens of his birthplace initiated the cause for the beatification of Innocent XIII.