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Pope Innocent XI (Latin: Innocentius XI; Italian: Innocenzo XI; 16 May 1611 – 12 August 1689), born Benedetto Odescalchi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 21 September 1676 until his death.
Within the Papal States, Innocent lowered taxes, produced a surplus in the papal budget, and repudiated nepotism within the Church. He abolished sinecures and pushed for greater simplicity in preaching as well as greater reverence in worship, requesting this of both the clergy and faithful. In consideration of his diplomatic and financial support for efforts to free Hungary from Ottoman domination, he is still widely referred to in the country as the "Savior of Hungary".
His reign was also marked by disputes with King Louis XIV of France about the balance of power between church and state.
Although petitions for Innocent's sainthood since 1791 have failed, he was beatified in 1956 by Pope Pius XII.
Pope Innocent XI in The Wages of Sin[]
In the late 17th century, Pope Innocent XI issued the bull De libertate humana which decreed that, since the Wasting had come from Africa, continued trafficking of enslaved people from that region was too great a risk to countenance. This was a crucial step in the abolition of the slave trade.[1]
In 1851, English law professor Stephen Heath gave his students an assignment to justify the abolition without referencing Innocent's decree. Walter Haywood referred to both the Bible and English common law to demonstrate that either one had passages which could be interpreted as disapproving of slavery in general. He described his thesis as a bull in its own right - a cock and bull, to be precise.[2]
Literary comment[]
As his accession comes a significant time after the Point of Divergence, this Innocent XI may be someone other than Benedetto Odescalchi. He is placed here for convenience.
References[]
- ↑ The Wages of Sin, chapter V. Pg. 65, HC.
- ↑ Ibid., pgs. 65-66.
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| Preceded by Clement X |
Pope 1676-1689 |
Succeeded by Alexander VIII |
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