Urban VIII, Pope, 1568-1644

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1568 - 1644

Biography

Pope Urban VIII was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 6 August 1623 to his death in 1644. He expanded the papal territory by force of arms and advantageous politicking, and was also a prominent patron of the arts and a reformer of Church missions. However, the massive debts incurred during his pontificate greatly weakened his successors, who were unable to maintain the papacy's longstanding political and military influence in Europe. He was also an opponent of Copernicanism and involved in the Galileo affair.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Pope Urban VIII bull

Collection

Identifier: Mss 627101

Mss 627101

Date(s): 1627-01-01

Scope and Contents

Papal bull of Urban VIII of Rome, Italy. Cords and pendant bulla present.