Pope Clement XII, born Lorenzo Corsini, was the first pope of the 18th century and the first pope of the House of Corsini. He was elected to the papacy in 1730 and served until his death in 1740. During his papacy, Clement XII was known for his strong stance against the Enlightenment, his support of the Jesuits, and his patronage of the arts.
Clement XII was born in Florence, Italy in 1652. He was the son of a wealthy banker and was educated in the humanities and law. After completing his studies, he was appointed to the papal court and eventually became a cardinal in 1706. He was known for his intelligence and diplomatic skills, and was a strong supporter of the papacy.
Clement XII was elected pope in 1730, and his papacy was marked by his strong opposition to the Enlightenment. He was a staunch defender of the Catholic faith and was determined to protect the Church from the spread of Enlightenment ideas. He was particularly concerned with the spread of deism, which he saw as a threat to the Church's authority. He issued a papal bull in 1732 condemning deism and forbidding its propagation.
Clement XII was also a strong supporter of the Jesuits. He saw them as a bulwark against the spread of Enlightenment ideas and was determined to protect their rights and privileges. He issued a papal bull in 1733 reaffirming the Jesuits' right to preach and teach, and he also granted them the right to establish colleges and universities.
Clement XII was also a great patron of the arts. He was a great admirer of the works of Michelangelo and Raphael, and he commissioned many works of art during his papacy. He also established the Accademia Clementina, a school of art and architecture in Rome. He also commissioned the construction of the Trevi Fountain, which is still one of the most famous landmarks in Rome.
Clement XII was a strong defender of the Catholic faith and a great patron of the arts. He was determined to protect the Church from the spread of Enlightenment ideas and to preserve the rights and privileges of the Jesuits. He was also a great admirer of the works of Michelangelo and Raphael, and he commissioned many works of art during his papacy. His legacy is still felt today, and his papacy is remembered as one of the most important in the history of the Church.