Pius VIII

pope of Rome, was born at Cingoli, in the province of Ancona, Italy, Nov. 20, 1761. His original name was Francis Xavier Castiglioni. He was the friend of Pius 7, and was by him created bishop of Montalto in 1800, and elevated to the cardinalate in 1816. He was generally regarded as the most learned canonist of the papal court. He was desired for successor of pope Leo XII. During Pius VIII's short pontificate of one year and eight months (from March 31, 1829 till Nov. 30, 1830) nothing remarkable occurred. He warred against indifferentism, Bible societies, Freemasonry, and all secret associations, and successfully labored for the establishment of a patriarchate at Constantinople for the United Armenians. He deserves to be especially commended for his humane efforts with Dom Pedro of Brazil to suppress the slave traffic and system. His bulls, canons, etc., are in Roskovany, Monument. Cath. 2, 292-317. He was succeeded by pope Gregory XVI. See Artand de Montor, Hist. du Pape Pie VIII (Par. 1843); Nodari, Vitae Pontificum Pii 6, 7, Leonis XII, et Pii VIII (Padua, 1840). (J.H.W.)