Pius VII

Full Name: Barnaba Niccolò Maria Luigi Chiaramonti
Profession: Bishop of Imola and Pope

Biography: Pius VII served as head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from his selection in 1800 until his death in 1823. Prior to his papacy, Chiaramonti was a Benedictine monk, theologian, and bishop.

Chiaramonti as he was then known was made Bishop of Tivoli in 1782, then Bishop of Imola in 1785, in which year he was also made cardinal.

His predecessor, Pope Pius VI, was captured during the French Revolutionary Wars when Napoleon Bonaparte's armies invaded Rome. He was taken to France where he died in captivity.

Chiaramonti was named Pope Pius VII in 1800, around six months after the death of his predecessor, during which time the papacy had been vacant.

Unfortunately for Pope Pius VII, Napoleon invaded again and took him prisoner in 1809. Fortunately he lived, and returned to Rome in 1814 after the French were defeated. The remainder of his papacy was very quiet in comparison.

Born: August 14, 1742
Birthplace: Cesena, Italy
Star Sign: Leo

Died: August 20, 1823 (aged 81)
Cause of Death: Injuries related to a fractured hip caused by a fall in the papal apartments