BENEDICT XIV., POPE (Prosper Lambertini), was born of an illustrious family, at Bologna, in 1675. He was celebrated for his learning, moderation, and exemplary life, which gained him the esteem even of Protestants. He greatly patronized learned men and celebrated artists, and was an elaborate writer on theological subjects. His works fill 16 vols. 4to. He succeeded Clement XII. in 1740, and died in 1758, at the age of eighty-three.