Pope Innocent XI

Early life

He was born at Como in 1611, and was educated there by the Jesuits. He studied law at Rome and Naples, held successively the offices of protonotary, president of the apostolic chamber, commissary of the Marco di Roma, and governor of Macerata; in 1647, Innocent X made him Cardinal Deacon with the title of Santi Cosma e Damiano. He afterwards became legate to Ferrara. When he was sent to Ferrara in order to assist the people stricken with a severe famine, the pope introduced him to the people of Ferrara as the "father of the poor." In 1650, Odescalchi became bishop of Novara, in which capacity he spent all the revenues of his see to relieve the poor and sick in his diocese. With the permission of the pope he resigned as bishop of Novara in favour of his brother Giulio in 1656 and went to Rome. While there he took a prominent part in the consultations of the various congregations of which he was a member. In all these capacities, the simplicity and purity of character which he displayed combined with his unselfish and openhanded benevolence to secure for him a high place in the popular affection and esteem.

Related Topics:
Como - Jesuits - Rome - Naples - Protonotary - Macerata - 1647 - Innocent X - Cardinal Deacon - Santi Cosma e Damiano - Ferrara - 1650 - Novara - See - Diocese - 1656

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