When was Pope Clement XIV pope?

Clement XIV reigned as the 249th pope from 19 May 1769–22 September 1774, during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era.

What number pope was Clement XIV?

Clement XIV was pope 249º — the 249th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Clement XIV remembered for?

Clement XIV served the Church during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era (19 May 1769–22 September 1774). Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Who came before and after Pope Clement XIV?

Clement XIV (249º) succeeded Pope Clement XIII (248º) and was followed by Pope Pius VI (250º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Clement XIV (249º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Clement XIV was the 249th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 19 May 1769–22 September 1774 during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era. Suppressed the Jesuits through the brief Dominus ac Redemptor(1773).

Who Was Pope Clement XIV?

This biography of Clement XIV (249º) covers background, major events, and legacy in the line of St. Peter. During the early modern and Counter-Reformation era, the Bishop of Rome exercised teaching, sanctifying, and governing authority for the universal Church.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Giovanni Vincenzo Antonio Ganganelli, O.F.M. Conv.. Born 31 October 1705 Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna, Papal States, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church. Member of the Conventual Franciscan Order, with the religious name Lorenzo.

Historical Context

Clement XIV guided the Catholic Church through the early modern period — the age of the Counter-Reformation, the Council of Trent, global missionary expansion, and the rise of nation-states that challenged papal temporal power.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (19 May 1769–22 September 1774) centered on governance during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era. Subject and later the sovereign of the Papal States.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Clement XIV left a distinct mark through decisions that historians still debate and Catholics still study. His reign contributed to the continuous apostolic succession now numbering 267 popes.

Key Highlights

249th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 19 May 1769–22 September 1774
Shepherded the Church during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era
Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Clement XIV remains pope 249º in the Annuario Pontificio. Read against the early modern and Counter-Reformation era, his pontificate shows how Providence works through imperfect ministers without abandoning the Barque of Peter.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Studying Clement XIV helps Catholics see how the Holy Spirit guided the Church through the early modern and Counter-Reformation era — with human weakness and grace intertwined. Place this pope in context using our chronological list of all 267 popes and the biographies of his immediate predecessor and successor linked below.

Place in the Line of Succession

Clement XIV followed Pope Clement XIII (248º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Pius VI (250º), who continued the mission of shepherding the universal Church. Explore the full chronological chain in our complete list of all 267 popes, or read the biographies of neighboring pontiffs linked below.