Pope Benedict XIII
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For Pedro de Luna, the last of the Avignon popes, see Antipope Benedict XIII.
Benedict XIII, O.P., born Pietro Francesco Orsini, later Vincenzo Maria Orsini (Gravina di Puglia, February 2, 1649 – March 2, 1730), was pope from 1724 to 1730. He succeeded Innocent XIII in 1724.
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At first, he called himself Benedict XIV (due to the superstition alleging that the number thirteen brings bad luck), but afterwards altered the title. He was a reforming pope and endeavoured to put a stop to the decadent lifestyles of the Italian priesthood and of the cardinalate. He was a member of the great Orsini family of Rome, and the third and last member of that family to become Pope.
On February 21, 1931, Pope Pius XI opened the diocesean process of canonization for Benedict XIII, bestowing upon him the title "Servant of God".
| Preceded by: Innocent XIII | Pope 1724–1730 | Succeeded by: Clement XII |
