Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi
Milan·17th century·Italy·Papal States
Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi served as the Archbishop of Milan from 1712 to 1736 and was elevated to the rank of Cardinal. He was a significant figure in the administration of the Papal States before his episcopal appointment and is noted for his pastoral activities in Milan, including the founding of a seminary and extensive diocesan visits. His patronage of the arts and ability to maintain good political relations also marked his tenure.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Milan from 1712 to 1736.
- ›Appointed Cardinal Priest of Santi Nereo e Achilleo in 1713, later moving to Santi XII Apostoli.
- ›Founded the seminary of St. John on the Wall in Milan.
- ›Commissioned portraits of the first archbishops of Milan, now housed at the Diocesan Museum of Milan.
- ›Maintained good relations with political powers during the transition of the Duchy of Milan from Spain to the Habsburg monarchy.
- ›Resigned as Archbishop due to a stroke in 1736.
- Founded the Seminary of St. John On the Wall In Milan.
- Approved the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Rho.
- Authorized the Erection of A House of Ursulines In Milan.
- Obtained Permission For Ordinary Canon Priests of the Cathedral of Milan To Wear the White Damask Mitre In Solemn Celebrations.
- Supervised the Restoration and Decoration of the Dome and Crypt of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.
- Commissioned 41 Portraits of the First Archbishops of Milan.
About Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi
Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi (1679–1740) was an Italian Cardinal and served as the Archbishop of Milan from 1712 to 1736. His significant career spanned administrative roles within the Papal States before he assumed leadership of the Archdiocese of Milan. He was also a Cardinal, appointed to various titular churches during his lifetime.
Life and Historical Context
Born Benedetto Erba in Como, he was the great-nephew of Pope Innocent XI, from whom he adopted the surname Odescalchi. He pursued a strong academic path, earning a doctorate in utroque iure from the University of Pavia. His early career included significant administrative positions such as referendary of the Apostolic Signature and Vice-legate in Ferrara and Bologna. He entered the clerical state in 1689, was ordained a deacon in 1711, and a priest a week later, receiving episcopal consecration on January 3, 1712, as Titular Archbishop of Thessalonica.
Major Contributions as Archbishop of Milan
As Archbishop of Milan, Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi dedicated himself to pastoral activities, drawing inspiration from figures like Saint Charles Borromeo and Pope Innocent XI. He prioritized the education of secular priests and initiated reforms within monastic communities for nuns. His tenure saw the establishment of the seminary of St. John on the Wall in Milan, one of the city's largest. He also approved the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Rho and authorized a house for the Ursulines in Milan. He was instrumental in obtaining permission for the ordinary canon priests of the Cathedral of Milan to wear the white damask mitre during solemn celebrations and personally supervised the restoration and rococo-style decoration of the dome and crypt of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.
He was a notable patron of culture and the arts, amassing a collection of sculptures and paintings, many of which are now part of the Diocesan Museum of Milan. This collection includes 41 portraits of the first archbishops of Milan that he commissioned starting in 1715. Despite the Duchy of Milan transitioning from Spanish to Habsburg rule during his archiepiscopacy, Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi successfully maintained positive relationships with all political factions.
Later Life and Legacy
Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi participated in the Papal conclaves of 1721, 1724, and 1730, where he was considered a potential candidate for the papacy. In 1731, he suffered a stroke that affected his health for the remainder of his life. This led to his resignation as Archbishop of Milan on December 6, 1736. He retired to his family home in Milan, where he died on December 13, 1740. His remains were initially buried in the church of San Giovanni in Conca, which was later demolished, and his remains are now interred in the Cathedral of Milan.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi born and where?
Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi was born on August 7, 1679, in Como, Italy. His parents were senator Antonio Maria Erba and Teresa Turconi.
What was Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi's role in the Church before becoming Archbishop of Milan?
Before becoming Archbishop of Milan, Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi held several administrative positions within the Papal States. He served as a referendary of the Apostolic Signature and as Vice-legate in Ferrara and Bologna.
What were some of Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi's key pastoral initiatives as Archbishop of Milan?
As Archbishop of Milan, he focused on pastoral activities, emphasized the education of secular priests, and worked to reform monasteries. He also initiated Urban Missions to increase religious sentiment in the city and conducted pastoral visits to remote areas of his diocese.
Did Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi have any connection to the papacy?
Yes, Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi was the great-nephew of Pope Innocent XI. He also took his second surname, Odescalchi, from him. He participated in three Papal conclaves and was considered a potential candidate for election.
What is the legacy of Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi's patronage of the arts?
Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi was a patron of culture and arts and a collector. Most of his collection, including 41 portraits of the first archbishops of Milan that he commissioned, is now housed at the Diocesan Museum of Milan. He also oversaw the restoration and decoration of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.
When did Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi resign as Archbishop of Milan and why?
Benedetto II Erba Odescalchi resigned as Archbishop of Milan on December 6, 1736, due to health problems. He suffered a stroke in 1731 that impaired him in the following years.
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