See Also: Benedict(dictionary)
Benedict XV(encyclopedia)
Benedict XIV(encyclopedia)
Benedict XII(encyclopedia)
Arnold, Benedict(encyclopedia)
Benedict, Ruth(encyclopedia)
Benedict (as used in expressions)(encyclopedia)
Benedict XIII(encyclopedia)
Spinoza, Benedict de(encyclopedia)
Arnold, Benedict(dictionary)

Benedict XIV (sh)




orig. Prospero Lambertini

born March 31, 1675, Bologna, Papal States
died May 3, 1758, Rome

Pope in 1740-58.

Nobly born, he received a doctorate in theology and law. Typical of his pontificate were his promotion of scientific learning and his admonition to those drawing up the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (Index of Forbidden Books) to act with restraint. In the Papal States he reduced taxation, encouraged agriculture, and supported free trade. He maintained conciliatory relations with neighbouring kingdoms. A lifelong active scholar, he founded several learned societies and laid the groundwork for the present Vatican Museum. Bernard Garnier, a French cleric who was counter-antipope (1425-33) while Martin V was pope and Clement VIII was antipope, was also called Benedict XIV.