CLEMENT XIII,
pope (1758-1769), born Carlo Rezzonico and previously bishop of Padua. Notwithstanding the meekness and
affability of his character, his pontificate was disturbed by
perpetual contentions respecting the investiture of Parma,
and subsequently by the demands of France, Spain, and
Portugal for the suppression of the
Jesuits. Clement
warmly espoused the cause of the order in an apostolical
brief issued in 1765. The pressure put upon him by the
Catholic powers, however, was so strong that he seemed
about to give way, when, having convoked a consistory to
receive his decision, he died suddenly, February 3, 1769,
not without suspicion of poison.
from the 9th edition (1876) of an unnamed encyclopedia - please update as necessary
- preceded by Pope Benedict XIV (1740-1758)
- succeeded by Pope Clement XIV (1769-1774)
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