Benedict XIV

Benedict XIV 1675-1758, pope (1740-58), an Italian (b. Bologna) named Prospero Lambertini; successor of Clement XII. Long before his pontificate he was renowned for his learning and wrote a classic treatise on the subject of canonization (1734-38). In 1728 he became a cardinal. He was much interested in the Eastern churches and began (with the bull Etsi pastoralis, 1742) the modern papal legislation that favors the Eastern rites and prohibits activity that is likely to Latinize them. He beautified Rome and restored monuments, and he was munificent to Bologna. He patronized learning and welcomed scholars and artists to his court. He denounced the cruelty to the Native Americans in the disbanding of the Paraguay reductions . He was succeeded by Clement XIII.

Benedict XIV (1675–1758), Pope from 1740. He was an exemplary administrator, conciliatory in his dealings with the secular powers and concerned to strengthen the moral influence of the Papacy. His De Servorum Dei Beatificatione et Beatorum Canonizatione (1734–8) remains the classic treatment of the history and procedure of beatification and canonization. He also compiled an authoritative work on Diocesan Synods (1748), wrote on the Sacrifice of the Mass (1748), and issued a standard edition of the Caeremoniale Episcoporum (1752). He had a real interest in science and learning and founded a number of academies in Rome.