Gregory XVI

Gregory XVI. (Cappellari), was born at Belluno in 1765. His name first became known in 1799, when he published his Trionfo della Santa Sede against the Italian Jansenists. After the return of Pius VII. to Rome he was made councillor of the Inquisition and Prefect of the Propaganda, and in 1825 was created Cardinal. In 1831 he succeeded Pius VIII. as Pope. In the course of a fifteen years' pontificate he opposed the spread of revolutionary ideas with much vigour, and was also charged with many acts of cruelty. He also began to develop Ultramontanism, which reached its high tide under his successor Pius IX.. who was elected Pope on his death in 1846.