Clement XIV, 1705–74, pope (1769–74), an Italian (b. near Rimini) named Lorenzo Ganganelli; successor of Clement XIII. He was prominent for many years in pontifical affairs at Rome, and he was created cardinal in 1759. He was a Conventual Franciscan. He inherited from his predecessor the hostility of every state of Catholic Europe. Clement XIV's part in the suppression of the Jesuits (see Jesus, Society of) has been greatly discussed; he was probably pressured into it. The suppression removed the pope's only independent support and put the church into the hands of the secular princes. He was succeeded by Pius VI.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Roman Catholic Popes and Antipopes
