Pope Alexander VII
Pope Alexander VII (Italian: Alessandro VII; 13 February 1599 – 22 May 1667), born Fabio Chigi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 April 1655 to his death, in May 1667.
Alexander VII | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Rome | |
Portrait by Giovanni Battista Gaulli | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Papacy began | 7 April 1655 |
| Papacy ended | 22 May 1667 |
| Predecessor | Innocent X |
| Successor | Clement IX |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | December 1634 |
| Consecration | 1 July 1635 by Miguel Juan Balaguer Camarasa |
| Created cardinal | 19 February 1652 by Innocent X |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Fabio Chigi 13 February 1599 |
| Died | 22 May 1667 (aged 68) Rome, Papal States |
| Previous post(s) |
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| Motto | Montium custos (Latin for 'Mountain guardian') |
| Signature | |
| Coat of arms | |
| Other popes named Alexander | |
He began his career as a vice-papal legate, and he held various diplomatic positions in the Holy See. He was ordained as a priest in 1634, and he became bishop of Nardo in 1635. He was later transferred in 1652, and he became bishop of Imola. Pope Innocent X made him secretary of state in 1651, and in 1652, he was appointed a cardinal.
Early in his papacy, Alexander, who was seen as an anti-nepotist at the time of his election, lived simply; later, however, he gave jobs to his relatives, who eventually took over his administration. His administration worked to support the Jesuits. However, his administration's relations with France were strained due to his frictions with French diplomats.
Alexander was interested in architecture and supported various urban projects in Rome. He also wrote poetry and patronized artists who expanded the decoration of churches. His theological writings included discussions of heliocentrism and the Immaculate Conception.