Born, October 1705; died, September 22, 1774.
He was the son of a doctor, and became a Franciscan monk at the age of
nineteen. An ardent student of philosophy and theology, he was sent to
the College of St. Bonaventura at Rome to teach theology, and made a
doctor of divinity. Later he became Professor of Philosophy at Ascoli.
He was also a noted orator, and his reputation as a preacher was high
at Bologna, Milan, Ferrara, Venice, and Florence.
In 1741 he was recalled to Rome.
He led as retired a life as practicable in Rome, though he was fond of
exercise and riding on horseback. He declared it to be his most earnest
wish to return to the monastery of S. Francis at Assisi, and twice
refused to accept the position of General of his Order. Nevertheless
his great reputation as a theologian caused his elevation to the
Cardinalate in 1759 and ten years later to the Papacy. His election
surprised every one, himself most of all, for Cardinal Ganganelli was
not even a Bishop when nominated to the headship of the Church.
His five years’ reign was one of the most important during the history
of the Papacy. At that time the Order of Jesus was assailed on all
sides, and every reigning Prince of Europe desired its dissolution.
Still the Society was so powerful, so numerous, and had been so
staunch a supporter of the Holy See that its position was considered
impregnable. Clement XIV., after due consideration and much diplomatic
action, decreed in 1773 the suppression of the congregation founded by
S. Ignatius Loyola.
He died the following year, and the Jesuits have frequently been
accused of having poisoned him. Historical researches have proved
the injustice of this statement. He was in his seventieth year, and
completely worn out by mental anxiety and overwork.
He was one of the very ablest as well as one of the worthiest
successors of St. Peter.