September 21, 1676: The Election of Pope Innocent XI, Beatified by Pope Pius XII in 1956

Pope Blessed Innocent XI

This is a first class relic of Blessed Innocent XI, acknowledged to be the most outstanding pope of the 17th century. His beatification was attempted as early as 1741 but due to French influence was suspended. In 1956, Pope Pius XII announced his beatification. We celebrate his feast on August 12th.

This is a very valuable addition to the Collection.

Innocent’s pontificate is said to be the greatest of the 17th century. We invite you to read about this holy father and great leader.

Upon the death of Clement X in 1689, a conclave deliberated for two months before unanimously electing the surprised Odescalchi. At this time monarchs still held vetoing rights and Louis XIV was unwilling to lift his veto until he saw that the cardinals and people of Rome were of one mind in wanting Odescalchi as their pontiff. Odescalchi was unwilling to accept the nomination unless the cardinals agreed to accept his fourteen-point program of reform. It is said he pleaded with the cardinals to choose someone else, but in September of 1676, Odescalchi accepted the nomination and chose the name of Innocent XI. He was sixty-five years of age and would reign for nearly thirteen years.

Innocent’s pontificate is said to be the greatest of the 17th century. His personal life was exemplary, marked by austerity and frugality, qualities he brought to the papacy. His initial efforts went towards reducing the expenses of the Curia. When he was elected, the annual deficit had reached 170,000 scudi but within a few years papal income was in excess of expenditures. Not only did he not practice nepotism but he also passed ordinances to encourage the cardinals to follow his lead. This measure in itself aided the balancing of—indeed the surplus of–the budget.

Papal Artifacts acknowledges the gift of his life to our Church.

Blessed Innocent XI, pray for us!

Please visit Papal History/Innocent XI for more information about him: