Alexander VII: A cultured and honest Pope who fought Jansenism and welcomed the most important convert of the century to Rome.

In this episode of Habemus Papam, Fr. Conrad discusses Pope Alexander VII, who succeeded Pope Innocent X–The Peace of Westphalia and the Jansenist Controversy. You can listen to the podcast about him here.

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Born in Siena on February 13, 1599 as Fabio Chigi of the illustrious banking family of Chigi. Fabio received private education and earned doctorates in philosophy, law, and theology from the University of Siena.

Chigi received the sacrament of Holy Orders in Rome on December 1634. appointed as Referendarius utriusque signaturae, which made him a prelate and gave him the right to practice before the Roman courts. He became Bishop of Nardo in January 1635.

In December 1651 Pope Innocent X named Cardinal Chigi Secretary of State and made him a Cardinal in the Consistory.

Pope Innocent X died and Cardinal Chigi became pope after 80 days in the conclave. On April 7, 1655 and he took the name Alexander VII.

One of Pope Alexander VII's most popular projects is the monumental colonnade in St. Peter's Square just outside of St. Peter's Basilica, designed by Bernini.

He also worked to fight the Jansenism heresy.

He died on May 22, 1667 and the sculptor Bernini created a beautiful tomb for him.