Birth of Pope Innocent XII

Birth of Pope Innocent XII Scott 1604 (2015) Pope Innocent XII was born on March 13, 1615, and the fourth centenary of his birth was commemorated on November 19, 2015, with the issuance of a single €0.95 stamp. The stamp, issued in sheets of ten, is based on a contemporary etching produced in Rome by De Rossi printers. Born Antonio Pignatelli, Pope Innocent XII is known for his acts of charity and reform, both in the governance of Rome and the Papal States, but also within the Curia. His administration stressed the economy and impartial administration of justice. His efforts toward Church reform aimed to prohibit nepotism and ensure the papal nomination of bishops and abbots (especially in Germany). During his pontificate, diplomatic relations were restored with France, after an absence of 50 years over claims by the French crown to control the appointment of bishops. Innocent also supported the Empire's efforts against the Ottoman Turks, a continuation of the policies of his predecessor, Innocent XI. REFERENCES: James C. Hamilton, Vatican Notes, Volume 64, Issue 367, page 5, 2016, Vatican City New Issues: November 2015 UFN, November 19, 2015, 4th Centenary of the Birth of Pope Innocent XII Vatican Philatelic Society website, www.vaticanstamps.org, Stamp Database Search