From Odescalchi to Innocent XI
Benedetto Odescalchi was born on 16 May 1611. He became pope on 21 September 1676 and remained head of the Catholic Church and leader of the Papal States until his death on 12 August 1689.
Politics
Pope Innocent XI
A frugal, reform-minded pope who improved papal finances, opposed nepotism and supported efforts to free Hungary from Turkish domination.
Born Benedetto Odescalchi in 1611, Innocent XI led the Catholic Church and the Papal States from 1676 until his death in 1689. His papacy was marked by personal frugality and reforms to the Roman Curia, while political and religious tensions with Louis XIV of France remained a persistent concern.
Worth knowing
Reforming papal government
Innocent XI lowered taxes and produced a surplus in the papal budget. He also opposed nepotism, abolished sinecures and pursued administrative reform within the Roman Curia.
Simplicity as a principle
His frugality extended from state finances to his clothing and personal conduct. He also promoted simpler preaching and greater reverence in worship among clergy and the faithful.
The Saviour of Hungary
Innocent XI provided diplomatic and financial support for efforts to free Hungary from Turkish domination. He is still widely known in Hungary as the “Saviour of Hungary.”
A long path to beatification
His cause for canonization began in 1791, faced controversy and was halted several times. Pope Pius XII beatified him in 1956.
Addresses you can still visit
Every place in this city with a documented tie to this person.
Performed here
Basilica of San Fedele
Запись о крещении Бенедетто Одескальки (май 1611) хранится в базилике Сан-Феделе.
Follow the story on foot
These addresses are scattered across the city. Our routes and quests put them in an order that works.