Clement X: The newest and oldest cardinal gets elected Pope unexpectedly.

In this episode of Habemus Papam, Fr. Conrad discusses Pope Clement X, who succeeded Pope Clement IX–A popular Pope who heard confessions weekly for the public and who published the world’s first comic opera. You can listen to the podcast about him here.

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Born Emilio Boneventura Altieri in Rome in 1590 to Lorenzo Altieri and Vittoria Delfin, a Venetian noble lady.

Altieri received a doctorate in law from the Roman College in 1611. He received the Sacrament of Holy Orders on April 6, 1624 and later named Bishop of Camerino.

Pope Clement IX named him superintendent of the Papal Exchequer, essentially in charge of the Church's finances. Just before Clement IX's death, he named Altieri a Cardinal.

A papal conclave ensued and lasted four months. Eventually the conclave elected Altieri on April 29, 1670 and he took the name Clement X, in honor of his predecessor.

Pope Clement X canonized famous Saints such as: Philip Benizi and Rose of Lima, the first American saint of the Americas.

The Pope died on July 22, 1676 at the age of 86. Pope Innocent XI succeeded him.