Pope Pius VIII

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(Francesco Xaverio Castiglione).

Born at Cingoli, 20 Nov., 1761; elected 31 March, 1829; d. 1 Dec., 1830. He came of a noblefamily and attended theJesuitschool atOsimo, later taking courses of canon law at Bologna andRome. InRome he associated himself with his teacherDevoti, assisted him in the compilation of his "Institutiones" (1792), and, whenDevoti was appointedBishop ofAnagni, became hisvicar-general. He subsequently filled the same position under Bishop Severoli at Cingoli, and, after some time, becameprovost of thecathedral in his native city. In 1800Pius VII named himBishop ofMontalto, which see he shortly afterwards exchanged for that ofCesena. Under the French domination he was arrested, having refused to take theoath of allegiance to the King ofItaly, and brought toMacerata, then toMantua, and finally toFrance. In 1816 thepope conferred upon him thecardinal's hat, and in 1822 appointed himBishop ofFrascati and Grand Penitentiary. As early as theconclave of 1823, Castiglione was among the candidates for thepapacy. At the election of 1829,France andAustria were desirous of electing apope of mild and temperate disposition, and Castiglione, whose character corresponded with the requirements, was chosen after a five weeks' session. His reign, which lasted but twenty months, was not wanting in notable occurrences. In April, 1829, the Catholic Emancipation Bill, which made it possible forCatholics to sit in Parliament and to hold public offices, was passed inEngland.Leo XII had taken a great interest in Catholic Emancipation, but had not lived to see it become law. On 25 March, 1830, Pius published theBrief "Litteris altero abhinc", in which he declared that marriage could beblessed by theChurch only when the proper promises were made regarding theCatholiceducation of the children; otherwise, theparishpriest should only assist passively at theceremony. Under his successor this matter became acause of conflict inPrussia between thebishops and the Government (seeCLEMENS AUGUST VON DROSTE-VISCHERING). Thepope's last months were troubled. InFrance, the Revolution of July broke out and the king wasobliged to flee, being succeeded on the throne by the younger Orléans branch. Thepope recognized the new regime with hesitation. The movement, which also affectedBelgium andPoland, even extended toRome, where a lodge ofCarbonari with twenty-six members was discovered. In the midst of anxiety and care, Pius VIII, whose constitution had always been delicate, passed away. Before thecoronation of his successor, revolution broke out in thePapal States. The character of Pius VIII was mild and amiable, and he enjoyed a reputation for learning, being especially versed in canon law,numismatics, and Biblical literature. In addition, he was extremely conscientious. Thus, he ordered all his relatives, upon his accession to the pontifical throne, to resign the positions which they held.

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