Benedict XIVArticle Free Pass Benedict XIV, original name
Prospero Lambertini (born March 31, 1675, Bologna, Papal States
[Italy]—died May 3, 1758, Rome), pope from 1740 to 1758. His
intelligence and moderation won praise even among deprecators of
the Roman Catholic Church at a time when it was beset by
criticism from the philosophers of the Enlightenment and its
prerogatives were being challenged by absolutist monarchs.
Typical of his pontificate were his promotion of scientific
learning and his admonition to those in charge of drawing up the
Index Librorum Prohibitorum (Index of Forbidden Books) to act
with restraint. Of a noble family, he received a doctorate in
theology and law from the University of Rome. In 1728 he was
created a cardinal, and in 1731 he was made archbishop of
Bologna by Pope Clement XII, whom on Aug. 17, 1740, he was
elected to succeed. In the Papal States Benedict reduced the
burden of taxation, encouraged agriculture, and supported a
policy of free trade. He was conciliatory in his re