Pope Innocent XVII, born Francisco Calderano (5 June 1880 - 30 September 1965) was the pope from 1941 until his death in 1965, reigning over 24 years. He is regarded as one of the most influential popes in contemporary history and was given sainthood in 1991. He was the second-longest reigning pope after Pius IX, and ruled the Papal States first alongside the Bravanatti family and later as the absolute, albeit comparatively benign, authority in most of Italy. Upon his death, he was succeeded by Cardinal Ernesto Ruffini, an ally and fellow conservative, who would reign as Pope __ __.
During his time as both the head of the Church and the secular executive of the Papal States, Innocent XVII made it his goal to eradicate much of what he perceived to be the degradation of the Church and of the Italian state, going so far as to excommunicate both his political enemies, perceived "enemies of the Italian people" whom had contributed to the defeat of the Italian Alliance in the European Wars, and expelled cardinals and bishops who partook in nepotism. Innocent also helped modernize the previously poor Papal States by integrating the economy with that of the neighboring Republic of Italy and the broader European community. Due to his close ties to Emperor Sebastien, he is often referred to as the "Architect of Integralism." Innocent's greatest credit, however, was his participation in the Roman Revolution, which helped keep the Turkish army out of Rome during the final months of the French Civil War, and toppled the corrupt and near-despotic Bravanatti dynasty. Despite his accolades, however, many Italians regard Innocent XVII dubiously due to his close ties with Sebastien and his dictatorial rule over the Papal States.