FABIO, or Pope Alexander VII. was born at Sienna in 1599. His family finding him a hopeful youth, sent him early to Rome, where he soon engaged in a friendship with the marquis Pallavicini, who recommended him so effectually to Pope Urban VIII. that he procured him the post of inquisitor at Malta. He was sent vice-legate to Ferrara, and afterward nuncio into Germany; there he had an opportunity of displaying his intriguing genius; for he was mediator at Munster, in the long conference held to conclude a peace with Spain. Cardinal Mazarin had some resentment against Chigi, who was soon after made a cardinal and secretary of state by Innocent X. but his resentment was sacrificed to political views. In 1665, when a pope was to be chosen, Cardinal Sacchetti, Mazarin's great friend, finding it was impossible for him to be raised into St Peter's chair, because of the powerful opposition made by the Spanish faction, desired Cardinal Mazarin to consent to Chigi's exaltation. His request was granted, and he was elected pope by the votes of all the 64 cardinals who were in the conclave; an unanimity of which there are but few instances in the election of popes. He showed uncommon humility at his election, and at first forbade all his relations to come to Rome without his leave; but he soon became more favourable to his nephews, and loaded them with favours. It is asserted that he had once a mind to turn Protestant. The newspapers in Holland bestowed great encomiums upon him; and acquainted the world that he did not approve of the cruel persecutions of the Waldenses in Piedmont. There is a volume of his poems extant. He loved the Belles-Lettres, and the conversation of learned men. He was extremely fond of stately buildings: the grand plan of the college Della Sapienza, which he finished, and adorned with a fine library, remains a proof of his taste in architecture. He died in 1667.