Pope Benedict XIII and Clement XII – Rosary and Marian devotion in the 18th century (Pontifical Doctrine IV, nos. 205-208)

Papal Periods: Benedict XIII (1724-1730) and Clement XII (1730-1740)

The pontificates of Benedict XIII (1724-1730) and Clement XII (1730-1740) comprise the first third of the 18th century.

Benedict XIII, a fervent Dominican, is the pope of the meditated Rosary and Dominican confraternities. Despite his short pontificate marked by progressive blindness, Clement XII confirmed traditional Marian devotions.

Benedict XIII (1724-1730) – Marian Documents (nn. 205-208)

Benedict XIII (Pietro Francesco Orsini), a Dominican cardinal for forty years before his election as pope, had a profound devotion to the Rosary. His four Marian documents are:

• n. 205, Brief “Essendo stato commesso” (September 26, 1724): This brief, written in Italian (a papal rarity), on the Confraternity of the Rosary of Saint Dominic reflects Benedict XIII’s personal devotion. He calls the Rosary a “catena aurea” (golden chain) that binds devotes to Mary and through her to Christ.
• n. 206, Brief “Ex quo” (April 1, 1727): On the Rosary’s devotion in Asian and Latin American missions.
• n. 207, Decree (April 22, 1727): Approving the proper Office for the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7).
• n. 208, Invocation (1729): A personal prayer by Benedict XIII to Mary, a rare example of papal spiritual reflection not intended for official publication but preserved in the archives.

“Rosarium Mariae, quod veluti catena aurea coelum terramque coniungit, prae ceteris piis exercitationibus commendandum esse non dubitamus”

We do not doubt that the Rosary of Mary, which like a golden chain joins Heaven and earth, should be recommended above other pious exercises.

Clement XII (1730-1740)

Clement XII, who became blind in 1732 and spent his final years confined to bed, confirmed existing Marian devotions and approved new Marian feasts requested by dioceses. Despite physical limitations, he maintained the traditional papal support for Marian devotion.

Further Reading: Explore Mariology, the Rosary of the Virgin Mary, Marialis Cultus, and Postgraduate Studies in Mariology.