Innocent XI

Innocent XI 1611-89, pope (1676-89), an Italian named Benedetto Odescalchi, b. Como; successor of Clement X. He was elected because of his great saintliness and desire for reform. His election had been opposed by Louis XIV, with whom he had a long, bitter quarrel over Gallicanism , begun in this phase with Louis's collection of the revenues of vacant benefices all over France. The Gallican statement of 1682 brought a papal condemnation; and when Louis revoked the Edict of Nantes, perhaps to gain papal favor, Innocent denounced the proceedings (1685). James II of England, Louis's ally, also excited Innocent's displeasure, but there is no proof of the allegation that Innocent supported the Protestant William III in his accession to the English throne. He was succeeded by Alexander VIII. Innocent was beatified in 1956.

Innocent XI, Bl (1611–89), Pope from 1676. He struggled against the absolutism of Louis XIV in Church affairs, disapproving of the revocation in 1685 of the Edict of Nantes; he also opposed Gallicanism. He similarly disapproved of James II's measures to restore RCism in England. He condemned 65 Laxist propositions in 1679 and 68 Quietist propositions in 1687. Feast day, 12 Aug.