Pope Clement XII


Clement XII
Bishop of Rome
Portrait by Agostino Masucci, c. 1730–40
ChurchCatholic Church
Papacy began12 July 1730
Papacy ended6 February 1740
PredecessorBenedict XIII
SuccessorBenedict XIV
Previous post(s)
  • Titular Archbishop of Nicomedia (1690–1706)
  • Cardinal-Priest of Santa Susanna (1706–1720)
  • Cardinal-Priest of San Pietro in Vincoli (1720–1725)
  • Cardinal-Bishop of Frascati (1725–1730)
Orders
Consecration18 June 1690
by Flavio Chigi
Created cardinal17 May 1706
by Clement XI
Personal details
Born
Lorenzo Corsini

(1652-04-07)7 April 1652
Died6 February 1740(1740-02-06) (aged 87)
Rome, Papal States
MottoDabis discernere inter malum et bonum
(Distinguish between good and evil)[1]
Signature
Coat of arms
Other popes named Clement

Pope Clement XII (born Lorenzo Corsini; 7 April 1652 – 6 February 1740) was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 12 July 1730 to his death in February 1740.

Clement was known for expanding the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, beginning the construction of the Trevi Fountain,[2] and buying Cardinal Alessandro Albani's collection of art for the papal gallery.[3] His first moves as Pope Clement XII were to give back the papal finances.

Clement XII died on 6 February 1740 from problems caused by gout. His remains were transferred to his tomb in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran on 20 July 1742.[3]

References

  1. "Pope Clement XII (1730–1740)". www.gcatholic.org. Retrieved 2022-05-12.
  2. Gross, Hanns (1990). Rome in the Age of Enlightenment: the Post-Tridentine syndrome and the ancient regime. New York: Cambridge University Press. p. 28. ISBN 0-521-37211-9.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Loughlin, James (1908). "Pope Clement XII". Retrieved 10 June 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |inline= ignored (help)