Pope Clement XIII

Clement XIII (March 7, 1693 - February 2, 1769) was pope 1758-1769.

He was born Carlo Rezzonico in Venice, became a cardinal in 1637, and had previously been bishop of Padua. He became pope on July 6, 1758. Notwithstanding the meekness and affability of his character, his pontificate was disturbed by perpetual contentions respecting the investiture of Parma, and subsequently by the demands of France, Spain, the Two Sicilies, and Portugal for the suppression of the Jesuits. Clement warmly espoused the cause of the order in papal bull issued on January 7, 1765. The pressure put upon him by the Catholic powers, especially the Bourbons, was so strong however that he seemed about to give way, when, having convoked a consistory to receive his decision, he died suddenly, February 3, 1769, not without suspicion of poison.

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from the 9th edition (1876) of an unnamed encyclopedia - please update as necessary

Preceded by: Pope Benedict XIV

List of popes

Succeeded by: Pope Clement XIV