Reigned from April 7, 1655 to May 22, 1667. Born on February 13, 1599 in Siena, Italy as Fabio Chigi; died in Rome, Italy on May 22, 1667. Of the illustrious Chigi family, he fulfilled many papal diplomatic missions and was created cardinal, 1652. During his pontificate difficulties with Louis XIV led to the temporary loss of Avignon and acceptance of the humiliating terms of the treaty of Pisa. Alexander combated Jansenism by compelling the French clergy to sign his "formulary." A patron of art, he beautified Rome, enlarged the Vatican Library, and befriended men of letters.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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