Clement X
Pope Clement X, born Emilio Bonaventura Altieri, served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1670 until his death in 1676. Elected at nearly 80 years old, his pontificate was marked by efforts to preserve his family name, canonization of saints, promotion of peace between Christian nations, and a new tax in Rome that caused conflict with ambassadors and cardinals. He also celebrated the Jubilee of 1675 and suspended the Portuguese Inquisition.
Key Facts
- ›Born Emilio Bonaventura Altieri in Rome in 1590.
- ›Elected Pope Clement X in 1670 at the age of almost 80.
- ›Canonized Saint Fernando III in 1671.
- ›His pontificate saw the refurbishment of the Palazzo Altieri and the decoration of Ponte Sant'Angelo.
- ›Died on July 22, 1676, after a pontificate of six years, two months, and twenty-four days.
- Canonized Five New Saints In 1671, Including Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Francis Borgia.
- Promoted Good Relations Between Christian Countries, Particularly Between Spain and France.
- Established A New Three Percent Tax On Merchandise Entering Rome, Leading To Conflicts With Ambassadors and Cardinals.
- Suspended the Portuguese Inquisition's Proceedings In October 1674.
- Celebrated the Fourteenth Jubilee of the Holy Year In 1675.
- Created 20 Cardinals, Including Pietro Francesco Orsini.
- Emilio Bonaventura Altieri
- Lorenzo Altieri
- Vittoria Delfin
- Flaminio Delfin
- Gentile Delfin
- Giambattista Altieri
- Giovanni Battista Lancellotti
- Pope Urban Viii
- Pope Innocent X
- Pope Alexander Vii
- Pope Clement Ix
- Cardinal Paluzzo Paluzzi Altieri Degli Albertoni
- Laura Caterina Altieri
- Queen Christina of Sweden
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Francesco Lorenzo Brancati Di Lauria
- Pope Benedict Xiii
- Alexei of Russia
- John Iii Sobieski of Poland
About Clement X
Pope Clement X, born Emilio Bonaventura Altieri on July 13, 1590, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from April 29, 1670, until his death on July 22, 1676. He was elected to the papacy at the advanced age of almost 80, following a four-month conclave.
Early Life and Career
Emilio Bonaventura Altieri hailed from the Papal nobility in Rome. He earned a doctorate in law and served in various ecclesiastical and administrative roles, including Bishop of Camerino, governor of Loreto and Umbria, and Superintendent of the Papal Exchequer. His long service saw him sent as nuncio to Naples and on a mission to Poland. Pope Clement IX, shortly before his death, elevated him to the College of Cardinals.
Pontificate and Major Actions
Clement X's pontificate was characterized by several key actions and events. He canonized five saints on April 12, 1671, including Saint Francis Borgia and Saint Rose of Lima, and later canonized King Fernando III of Castile. He actively promoted peace and good relations between Christian countries, particularly between Spain and France. A significant administrative action was the establishment of a new three percent tax on merchandise entering Rome, which led to considerable conflict with ambassadors and cardinals who felt their privileges were being infringed.
Clement X also celebrated the Jubilee of 1675, undertaking religious duties despite his age and gout. In foreign affairs, he established a see at Quebec to provide an independent organization for the Church in Canada. Notably, he suspended the proceedings of the Portuguese Inquisition in October 1674, questioning their methods against the New Christians.
Family and Legacy
To ensure the continuation of the Altieri family name, Clement X arranged for the adoption of the Paoluzzi family and a marriage alliance. He appointed his grandnephew, Cardinal Paluzzo Paluzzi Altieri, as cardinal nephew, entrusting him with significant administrative duties due to his own advancing age and physical limitations.
Clement X's reign saw the refurbishment of the Palazzo Altieri and the decoration of the Ponte Sant'Angelo with statues of angels. He died on July 22, 1676, at the age of 86, having governed the Church for over six years. His tomb is located in St. Peter's Basilica.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pope Clement X before becoming pope?
Before becoming Pope Clement X, he was known as Emilio Bonaventura Altieri. He was born into the Papal nobility in Rome in 1590 and had a distinguished career within the Catholic Church, holding positions such as Bishop of Camerino and Superintendent of the Papal Exchequer.
When did Clement X serve as Pope?
Pope Clement X served as Pope from April 29, 1670, until his death on July 22, 1676.
What were some of Clement X's major actions during his pontificate?
Clement X canonized several saints, including Saint Fernando III, and promoted peace between Christian countries. He also established a new tax in Rome that caused conflict, suspended the Portuguese Inquisition, and celebrated the Jubilee of 1675.
Why was Clement X elected at such an advanced age?
Emilio Bonaventura Altieri was elected Pope Clement X in 1670 at the age of almost 80 after a lengthy, four-month conclave. The cardinals resorted to electing a cardinal of advanced years, and Altieri, who had been made a cardinal shortly before by Pope Clement IX, was chosen.
What is Clement X known for regarding his family?
Clement X actively worked to preserve the Altieri family name. He adopted the Paoluzzi family and arranged for one of them to marry Laura Caterina Altieri, the sole heiress of the Altieri family, in exchange for the Paoluzzi family adopting the Altieri surname.
Related Popes
John XV
Pope John XV served as bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 985 until his death in March 996. He is noted as the first pope to canonize a saint and his pontificate saw the origins of the investiture controversy due to a dispute over the deposition of Archbishop Arnulf of Reims. Despite alleged unpopularity in Rome due to venality and nepotism, his influence was somewhat curtailed by local patricians but also mediated by Empress Theophanu.
Alexander IV
Pope Alexander IV, born Rinaldo di Jenne, served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1254 to 1261. His pontificate was marked by attempts to reunite Eastern and Western churches, the establishment of the Inquisition in France, and support for mendicant orders. He is also known for canonizing Saint Clare of Assisi and for his involvement in the complex political landscape of Sicily.
Alexander VIII
Pope Alexander VIII, born Pietro Vito Ottoboni, served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1689 until his death in 1691. He is notable for reversing the austerity policies of his predecessor, Innocent XI, by indulging in nepotism to enrich his family, which depleted the papal treasury. Despite a brief papacy, he condemned the doctrine of philosophical sin taught by the Jesuits and saw the restoration of Avignon to the Papal States by Louis XIV of France.