Pope Innocent XII

Pope Innocent XII, born Antonio Pignatelli on 13 March 1615, served as the head of the Catholic Church and the ruler of the Papal States from 12 July 1691 until his passing on 27 September 1700. His papacy is noted for a strong commitment to reforming the Church, particularly in the area of nepotism.

Continuing the efforts of his predecessor, Pope Innocent XI, Innocent XII took a firm stance against the practice of nepotism that had plagued the Church. He recognized the need for a decisive approach to this issue, especially after the lack of progress during the papacy of Pope Alexander VIII.

In a significant move, Innocent XII issued a papal bull that strictly prohibited the bestowal of revenue or land upon relatives. This bold action was aimed at curbing the influence of nepotism within the Church and ensuring that the resources of the Church were used for its intended purposes.