When was Pope Alexander VII born?

Pope Alexander VII was born on 13 February 1599 in Siena.

What positions has Pope Alexander VII held?

Positions held by Pope Alexander VII include: Pope (1655–1667); Catholic archbishop (since 13 May 1653); cardinal (since 19 February 1652); apostolic nuncio to Germany (1639–1651); diocesan bishop (1635–1652).

Where did Pope Alexander VII study?

Pope Alexander VII was educated at University of Siena.

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Pope Alexander VII

Pope of the Catholic Church from 1655 to 1667

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Pope Alexander VII (Italian: Alessandro VII; 13 February 1599 – 22 May 1667), born Fabio Chigi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 April 1655 to his death, in May 1667.

Quick facts

Born: 13 February 1599 wd
Place of birth: Siena wd
Died: 22 May 1667 wd
Place of death: Rome wd
Citizenship: Papal States wd
Occupation: Catholic priest, Catholic bishop wd
Education: University of Siena wd

Positions held wd

Pope (7 April 1655 – 22 May 1667)
Catholic archbishop (since 13 May 1653)
cardinal (since 19 February 1652)
apostolic nuncio to Germany (1639–1651)
diocesan bishop (1635–1652)
Cardinal Secretary of State
inquisitor

About

He began his career as a vice-papal legate, and he held various diplomatic positions in the Holy See. He was ordained as a priest in 1634, and he became bishop of Nardo in 1635. He was later transferred in 1652, and he became bishop of Imola. Pope Innocent X made him secretary of state in 1651 and, in 1652, he was appointed a cardinal.

Early in his papacy, Alexander lived simply and kept up the anti-nepotist position which he had held at the time of his election; later, however, his relatives received jobs in

his administration and came to dominate it. His administration worked to support the Jesuits. However, his administration's relations with France were strained due to his frictions with French diplomats.

Alexander was interested in architecture and supported various urban projects in Rome. He also wrote poetry and patronized artists who expanded the decoration of churches. His theological writings included discussions of heliocentrism and the Immaculate Conception.

Questions

When was Pope Alexander VII born?: Pope Alexander VII was born on 13 February 1599 in Siena.
What positions has Pope Alexander VII held?: Positions held by Pope Alexander VII include: Pope (1655–1667); Catholic archbishop (since 13 May 1653); cardinal (since 19 February 1652); apostolic nuncio to Germany (1639–1651); diocesan bishop (1635–1652).
Where did Pope Alexander VII study?: Pope Alexander VII was educated at University of Siena.

Sources

Last updated 3 November 2026 · facts checked 4 November 2026

Cite this page

"Pope Alexander VII". DigiNepal. Last updated 3 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/pope-alexander-vii. Retrieved 5 November 2026.

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Text from the Wikipedia article Pope Alexander VII, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Portrait of Pope Alexander VII Chigi (by Giovanni Battista Gaulli - Baciccio).jpg — Giovanni Battista Gaulli, Public domain.

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