Benedict XIII

Who they were

Pietro Francesco Orsini, heir to a ducal family, entered the Dominicans at sixteen against his parents' will. Made a cardinal in 1672 against his own protests, he never laid aside his habit, and chose the poor diocese of Manfredonia, later serving Benevento for thirty-eight years.

As pope he was known for his virtuous life and fatherly zeal, though his pontificate was harmed by his misplaced trust in Cardinal Coscia. He died on 23 February 1730.

The miracles

The Catholic Encyclopedia does not describe his cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

A pope who kept the poverty and humility of a friar all his life.

Connected on this site

• Vincent Ferrer Saint
  “After supporting Antipope Benedict XIII during the Western Schism, Ferrer travelled to preach across Western Europe and the British Isles.” — Wikipedia