Born: 14 August 1742 · Died: 20 August 1823 · Age at death: 81
How old was Pius VII when he died?
Pius VII died aged 81. He was born on 14 August 1742 and died on 20 August 1823.
Pope who famously clashed with Napoleon Bonaparte and attended his coronation
Did you know?He was held in captivity by the French emperor for several years after being kidnapped from the Quirinal Palace.
Quick facts
Date of birth14 August 1742
Date of death20 August 1823
Age at death81
NationalityItalian
BirthplaceCesena, Italy
OccupationCatholic priest, Catholic bishop, Latin Catholic monk
Editor's Take:
Pius VII spent much of his reign caught between faith and Napoleon's ambition. He first sought compromise, signing a concordat that restored the Catholic Church in France. When Napoleon annexed the Papal States, the pope excommunicated those responsible and was seized. He spent five years as a prisoner, in Savona and then at Fontainebleau. His quiet refusal to give way won him great sympathy across Europe. After Napoleon's fall he even offered refuge in Rome to members of the Bonaparte family.
Key Milestones
1800: Elected pope at a conclave in Venice
1801: Signs the Concordat with Napoleon
1809: Taken prisoner by French forces
1814: Returns to Rome
Pope Pius VII (Italian: Pio VII; born Barnaba Niccolò Maria Luigi Chiaramonti; 14 August 1742 – 20 August 1823) was head of the Catholic Church from 14 March 1800 to his death in August 1823. He was the leader of the Papal States from June 1800 to 17 May 1809 and again from 1814 to his death.
