Religion · 1765–1846
Born: 18 September 1765 · Died: 1 June 1846 · Age at death: 80
Gregory XVI died aged 80. He was born on 18 September 1765 and died on 1 June 1846.
Pope who headed the Catholic Church during the mid-nineteenth century
Did you know?He was a staunch traditionalist who famously banned railways and gas street lighting from the Papal States.
Gregory XVI was a scholarly monk thrust into power during revolts in the Papal States. He relied on Austrian troops to restore order. He opposed liberal ideas such as freedom of the press and of conscience. He even banned railways from his territories, reportedly calling them 'roads to hell'. Yet he also supported missions abroad and condemned the slave trade. He founded museums at the Vatican. His successor would face even greater upheaval.
Pope Gregory XVI (Latin: Gregorius PP. XVI; Italian: Gregorio XVI; born Bartolomeo Alberto Cappellari; 18 September 1765 – 1 June 1846) was head of the Catholic Church and leader of the Papal States from 2 February 1831 to his death in June 1846.
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Profile
Italian pope, born 1765
Gregory XVI was born in Belluno on 18 September 1765.
He was pope from 1831 to 1846.
He was a Camaldolese monk before his election.
He condemned the slave trade in 1839.
Career highlights
Did you know?He was the last pope who was not yet a bishop when elected.
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