Pope Benedict XIII

Pope Benedict XIII (; 2 February 1649 – 21 February 1730), born Pietro Francesco Orsini, later Friar Vincenzo Maria Orsini, O.P., was an Italian priest of the Roman Catholic Church and the 246th Pope from 1724 until his death in 1730. He was the third and last member of the Orsini family to be a pope.
Early life.
He was born in Gravina in Puglia near Naples. He was the son of Ferdinando III Orsini, Duke of Gravina.
In 1667, Orsini entered the Dominican Order. As a monk, his name was Vincent Maria.
Cardinal.
Pope Clement X raised the monk to the rank of Cardinal of "San Sisto" on 22 February 1672.
In 1675, he was made Bishop of Manfredonia.
In 1686, he was made Archbishop of Benevento.
Pope.
Cardinal Orsini was elected pope on May 28, 1724; and he chose to be called Benedict XIII.
Pope Benedict was involved in Italian and European political disputes.
In 1727, he ordered construction of the famous Spanish Steps in Rome.
In 1729, the pope helped bring about the Treaty of Seville between Great Britain, France, and Spain.
After his death.
Benedict was buried in a tomb in Santa Maria sopra Minerva completed by Pietro Bracci and others.