When was Pope Servant of God Benedict XIII pope?

Servant of God Benedict XIII reigned as the 245th pope from 29 May 1724–21 February 1730, during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era.

What number pope was Servant of God Benedict XIII?

Servant of God Benedict XIII was pope 245º — the 245th successor of St. Peter in the Catholic Church's official list of 267 popes.

What is Servant of God Benedict XIII remembered for?

Servant of God Benedict XIII is remembered for shepherding the Church during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era, with a pontificate marked by the challenges and achievements of his historical period.

Who came before and after Pope Servant of God Benedict XIII?

Servant of God Benedict XIII (245º) succeeded Pope Innocent XIII (244º) and was followed by Pope Clement XII (246º) in the line of apostolic succession.

Pope Servant of God Benedict XIII (245º): Biography, Pontificate & Legacy

Servant of God Benedict XIII was the 245th pope of the Catholic Church, reigning 29 May 1724–21 February 1730 during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era. Subject of the Kingdom of Naples.

Who Was Pope Servant of God Benedict XIII?

This biography of Servant of God Benedict XIII (245º) 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 Pierfrancesco Orsini, O.P.. Born 2 February 1649 Gravina in Puglia, Kingdom of Naples, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church. Member of the Dominican Order, with the religious name Vincenzo. Religious formation in Dominican Order shaped his approach to the papal office.

Historical Context

Servant of God Benedict XIII 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 (29 May 1724–21 February 1730) centered on governance during the early modern and Counter-Reformation era. Third and last member of the Orsini family to become pope. Originally called Benedict XIV due to the antipope but reverted to XIII. Repealed the worldwide tobacco smoking ban set by Urban VII and Urban VIII.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Servant of God Benedict XIII 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

245th pope of the Catholic Church
Pontificate: 29 May 1724–21 February 1730
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

Servant of God Benedict XIII remains pope 245º 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 Servant of God Benedict XIII 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

Servant of God Benedict XIII followed Pope Innocent XIII (244º) in the unbroken line of apostolic succession from St. Peter. Upon his death or resignation, he was succeeded by Pope Clement XII (246º), 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.