Odescalchi, Marc Antoliio

Odescalchi, Marc Antoliio an Italian of high rank, who devoted his time and fortune to acts of philanthropy. He was cousin to pope Innocent XI, who offered him many high dignities in the Church. Observing that though Rome contained several hospitals for the relief of the poor of different nations, there were many strangers who. could find no asylum in any of them, but were obliged to take shelter in the porches of churches, the porticoes of palaces, or the ancient ruins of the city, he converted his house into a hospital for the reception of. these outcasts, without distinction. Here he fitted up 1000 beds, and employed a number of tailors constantly in making clothes for the objects of his bounty. If in his rides he chanced to observe a forlorn wanderer, he would stop, take him into his carriage, and convey him to his mansion. At his death in 1670, he left all his property to the support of the hospital.