Carlo della Torre Rezzonico
- Born:
- 7 March 1693, Venice, Republic of Venice
- Died:
- 2 February 1769, Rome, Papal States
- Nationality:
- Venetian
- Profession(s):
- Catholic Priest, Bishop, Cardinal, Pope
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy Venetian family.
- Educated by the Jesuits in Bologna.
- Earned a doctorate in canon and civil law from the University of Padua.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as a Referendary of the Tribunals of the Two Signatures (Justice and Grace).
- Governor of Rieti.
- Appointed Cardinal-Deacon in 1737 by Pope Clement XII.
- Ordained a priest in 1743.
- Elected Pope on 6 July 1758, taking the name Clement XIII.
- Known for his defense of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
- Presided over the canonization of several saints.
Notable Works
- Encyclical A quo primum (1758), addressed to all the bishops.
- Issued multiple bulls and decrees related to Church governance and doctrine.
Legacy and Impact
Clement XIII's papacy was largely defined by his staunch support of the Society of Jesus during a period of increasing opposition from secular rulers. The pressure for the suppression of the Jesuits intensified during his reign, contributing to a complex and challenging period for the Catholic Church. Information on the specifics of his papacy, and the historical context can be found within sources describing a 'pope clement xiii biography template', helping guide research on the subject.