Background
Benedict XIV was born in 1675.
Benedict XIV was born in 1675.
He was created cardinal in 1728 and became archbishop of Bologna in 1731. He wrote many volumes on canon law and its history and is considered the authority on the canonization process. Simple and disinterested, Benedict was universally respected and loved. As pope from 1740 to 1758, he tried to better the strained relationship between the Holy See and the Catholic powers by a policy of concession. To some this seemed weakness, but Benedict was perhaps merely abandoning the nonessential prerogatives of the papacy before they were taken away. He reached agreements with Sardinia, Spain, Portugal, and Austria. He also recognized the king of Prussia. The condemnation of Freemasonry pronounced by his predecessors was renewed. Benedict labored to improve Church life by regulating the Roman curia and congregations; by issuing a new index of forbidden books; by improving the liturgical books; by ordering the observance of Sunday, holy days, and fast days; and by legislating on marriage, the appointment of bishops, the visitation of dioceses, and diocesan synods. Under him Church law reached a new stage of perfection, and art and learning received encouragement.
