Three centuries have passed since Pier Francesco Orsini was elected pope on May 29, 1724, after a conclave lasting nearly three months, assuming the name Benedict XIII (†1730). This man, “whose labors in favor of keeping and restoring ecclesiastical discipline and of ensuring the splendor of churches have been most known,”^[1] also made contributions to sacred music during his pontificate. The Pope and the Econo... Gniadek, Jacek Best Price: $15.25 Buy New $14.95 (as of 09:32 UTC - Details)

A quick glance at his biography reveals that Pier Francesco Orsini was born 75 years earlier in Gravina in Puglia, southern Italy. He began his service in the Church by joining the Order of Preachers, also known as Dominican Friars, and quickly rose to prominence. Already at the age of 22, he was created cardinal and appointed Prefect of the Congregation of the Council in Rome. Subsequently, he held bishoprics in Manfredonia and Cesena before ascending to the position of metropolitan archbishop of Benevento at 36, a role he retained even after his papal election, a rarity in Church history.

As Pope, Benedict XIII stood out for his dedication to combating Jansenism and strengthening discipline within the clergy. He canonized Aloysius Gonzaga, Stanislaus Kostka, John of the Cross, John Nepomucene, and Margaret of Cortona. He demonstrated a strong bond with the archdiocese of Benevento, visiting it twice and convening a provincial council. During the Holy Year of 1725, he held a Roman provincial council in the Lateran Basilica (from April 15 to May 29) and promoted the construction of the Spanish Steps. Stricken by a bothersome flu, he peacefully passed away in Rome on February 21, 1730, after nearly six years of pontificate.

Cardinal Prospero Lambertini, the future Pope Benedict XIV († 1758), said of him: Day Of Deceit: The Tru... Stinnett, Robert Best Price: $1.77 Buy New $8.10 (as of 04:25 UTC - Details)

He could not bear, unless compelled by necessity, to separate from his beloved flock and to stay away from it for a long time; which should be the primary care of a bishop […]. To visit a part of his diocese every year; to erect, restore, and renew magnificent churches; to consecrate altars for the celebration of the sacred mysteries; to establish pious confraternities; to found public hospitals and hospices for the sick; to alleviate the misery of the poor, not only with his ecclesiastical revenues, but more often with his own money; to break the delicious bread of the Gospel word to hungry souls; to convene new provincial councils and new synods; to publish the wise laws made in both; to administer the sacrament of confirmation himself; to practice the ceremonies of the Church; to be assiduous in all divine offices and to fulfill the functions of the divine ministry without ever tiring; such was his plan of life, such has always been his practice. All this heap of qualities represents him as a prelate so diligent, industrious, and indefatigable that there are very few who can be compared to him, and perhaps none who have coupled such great piety and zeal in all that concerns the worship and the divine service.^[2]

Among Benedict XIII’s enduring legacies was his promotion of Gregorian chant as a primary form of liturgical expression. In the Roman Council of 1725, “tit. 15, no. 6, many decrees are read concerning the use of polyphonic singing and instruments during Advent, during Sundays of Lent, and during the exequies of the dead.”^[3]

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