When was Pope Benedict XIV born?

Pope Benedict XIV was born on 31 March 1675 in Bologna.

What positions has Pope Benedict XIV held?

Positions held by Pope Benedict XIV include: Pope (1740–1758); cardinal (since 30 April 1728); Roman Catholic Bishop of Ancona and Numana (since 20 January 1727); In pectore (since 9 December 1726); Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bologna (1724–1754).

Where did Pope Benedict XIV study?

Pope Benedict XIV was educated at Sapienza University of Rome.

Pierre Subleyras · Public domain

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Pope Benedict XIV

Pope of the Catholic Church from 1740 to 1758

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Pope Benedict XIV (Latin: Benedictus XIV; Italian: Benedetto XIV; 31 March 1675 – 3 May 1758), born Prospero Lorenzo Lambertini, was head of the Catholic Church and leader of the Papal States from 17 August 1740 to his death on 3 May 1758. His intellectualism and advocacy of science education earned him the nickname "the Enlightenment Pope".

Quick facts

Born: 31 March 1675 wd
Place of birth: Bologna wd
Died: 3 May 1758 wd
Place of death: Rome wd
Citizenship: Papal States wd
Occupation: Catholic priest, canon law jurist, Catholic bishop, jurist, historian wd
Education: Sapienza University of Rome wd

Positions held wd

Pope (17 August 1740 – 3 May 1758)
cardinal (since 30 April 1728)
Roman Catholic Bishop of Ancona and Numana (since 20 January 1727)
In pectore (since 9 December 1726)
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bologna (16 July 1724 – 14 January 1754)
titular archbishop (since 12 June 1724)

About

Perhaps one of the best scholars to sit on the papal throne, yet often overlooked, he promoted scientific learning, the Baroque arts, reinvigoration of Thomism, and the study of the human form. Firmly committed to carrying out the decrees of the Council of Trent and Catholic teaching, Benedict removed changes previously made to the Breviary, sought peacefully to reverse growing secularism in European courts, invigorated ceremonies with great pomp, and throughout his life and his reign published numerous theological and ecclesiastical treatises. In governing the Papal States, he reduced taxation on some products, but also raised taxes on others; he also encouraged agriculture and supported free trade within the Papal States. A scholar, he created the Sacred and Profane Museums, now part of the present Vatican Museums. He can be considered a polymath due to his numerous studies of ancient literature, his publishing of ecclesiastical books and documents, his interest in the study of the human body, and his devotion to art and theology.

Towards the end of his papacy Benedict XIV was forced to contend with issues surrounding the Society of Jesus. He expelled them from Portugal at the behest of Joseph I in 1758, just before his death. The papacy reluctantly acceded to the anti-Jesuit demands while providing minimal theological justification for the suppressions.

Horace Walpole described him as "loved by papists, esteemed by Protestants, a priest without insolence or interest, a prince without favorites, a pope without nepotism, an…

Questions

When was Pope Benedict XIV born?: Pope Benedict XIV was born on 31 March 1675 in Bologna.
What positions has Pope Benedict XIV held?: Positions held by Pope Benedict XIV include: Pope (1740–1758); cardinal (since 30 April 1728); Roman Catholic Bishop of Ancona and Numana (since 20 January 1727); In pectore (since 9 December 1726); Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bologna (1724–1754).
Where did Pope Benedict XIV study?: Pope Benedict XIV was educated at Sapienza University of Rome.

Sources

Last updated 3 November 2026 · facts checked 4 November 2026

Cite this page

"Pope Benedict XIV". DigiNepal. Last updated 3 November 2026. https://diginpl.com/people/pope-benedict-xiv. Retrieved 4 November 2026.

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Text from the Wikipedia article Pope Benedict XIV, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page's text is shared under the same licence. Facts from Wikidata (CC0). Image: Pierre Subleyras Portrait of Benedict XIV 1746. Metropolitan Museum of Art.jpg — Pierre Subleyras, Public domain.

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