Pope Clement XII
A nearly blind 78-year-old pope who restored papal finances through a lottery and left Rome a landmark of baroque splendor.
1652–1740 (age 88)·Head of the Catholic Church from 1730 to 1740·Birthday: April 7
Biography
Lorenzo Corsini became Pope Clement XII in 1730, assuming the papacy at an advanced age and in failing health, nearly blind and plagued by gout. His physical limitations did not prevent a decade of consequential, if pragmatic, governance. Faced with a treasury emptied by his predecessor's extravagance, Clement made the controversial but effective decision to reinstate the papal lottery, a move that generated crucial revenue. He poured these funds into ambitious urban projects that reshaped Rome, most notably commissioning the majestic Trevi Fountain, ensuring his mark on the city's landscape would be eternal. His papacy also saw a firm stance against the Freemasons, whom he condemned in a papal bull. A patron of the arts and learning, he expanded the Vatican's collection of classical sculpture and founded the Capitoline Museum, making him one of the great builder-popes of the 18th century.
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Pope's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1652Born
1657Started school
1665Became a teenager
1668Could drive
1670Could vote
1673Turned 21
1682Turned 30
1692Turned 40
1702Turned 50
1712Turned 60
1722Turned 70
1732Turned 80
1740Died at 88
Key Achievements
- Commissioned the construction of Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain, completed after his death.
- Founded the Capitoline Museum, considered the world's first public art museum.
- Replenished the papal coffers by authorizing a state lottery.
- Issued the papal bull 'In Eminenti,' condemning Freemasonry.
Did You Know?
He was elected pope at age 78 after a contentious conclave that lasted over four months.
He was almost completely blind during much of his pontificate.
The Corsini family chapel in the Basilica of St. John Lateran was built during his reign.
He came from a wealthy Florentine banking family.
“The Church must be built on the rock of faith, not the sands of financial ruin.”
