Pope Urban IX

Pope Urban IX (8th July 1690 - Present), born Urbano Lamberto di Visconti, is the current Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church having been elected to the position after the death of Innocent XIII in 1724. He was just 34 at the time of his election, and has held his post for 38 years.

In his time, he has strengthened the Papacy's influence in Christendom, having long been subjugated by the Visconti Kings of Fidenza. In his venerable position and his own roots as a Prince of Fidenza, he has honed his skills and increased the power of the Holy See.

Early Life
Pope Urban IX was born as Urbano Lamberto di Visconti as the youngest child of King Filippo III and his second wife, Isabelle Marie of France. As the King's twelfth child, Urbano was never expected to amount to much in the grand scheme of things. He was granted the courtesy style of Count of Faucigny, though it was expected of him to enter the clerical path. His father, King Filippo III, was a weak minded individual who paid little mind to his children. Urbano, as a result, was essentially left to his own devices for most of his childhood. He took a liking to reading and studying, and over time he learnt the bible by heart. He became a scholarly person, and spent much of his time studying dusty scrolls and old manuscripts he could find in the libraries of Rome.

When he was sixteen in 1706, he became a priest. His father, King Filippo III, bought him the bishopric of Milan, a prestigious position. As bishop, he proved himself a godly and pious man, ever temperate and kind. The people of Milan often came to him for wisdom, and when he was twenty-two in 1712, his father bought him his cardinal's hat. Now as the Cardinal-Archbishop of Milan, Urbano became well-respected by many religious figures. The Pope himself recognised his talent, and invited him to join the Papal Court, which he would do in 1716. He became well-known there, and despite his young age he became a popular potential successor to Pope Innocent XIII.

Papal Conclave of 1724
During the Papal Conclave of 1724, Urbano was one of the preferatus for the office of Pope. He was the youngest potential candidate, being just 34 at the time. His skill and devotion was admired, however, and he was a popular candidate. Perhaps through bribes by Fidenzan officials, or through his own personality and skill, he received the most votes for the office. Urbano considered himself deftly unprepared for the office of Pope.

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