Michelangelo dei Conti, who, like popes Innocent…

Michelangelo dei Conti, who, like popes Innocent III (1198–1216), Gregory IX (1227–1241) and Alexander IV (1254-1261), is a member of the family of the Conti di Segni, had become Cardinal under Pope Clement XI in 1706.

He had acted from 1697 to 1710 as papal nuncio to the Kingdom of Portugal, where he is believed to have formed those unfavorable impressions of the Jesuits which afterwards influenced his conduct towards them.

His high reputation for ability, learning, purity, and a kindly disposition secure his election in May 1721 to succeed Clement XI as Pope Innocent XIII.