Pope Clement XI: Leading Catholicism 1700-1721
Chinese Rites Controversy
The Church was developing in China due to the missionary efforts of both the Dominicans and the Jesuits. The question developed: "Could Chinese converts continue ancestor worship?" This is now known as the Chinese Rites Controversy. The Jesuits argued that this was part of their culture, not really a religious practice, and therefore, should be allowed.
The Pope disagreed. This decision was highly criticized by the rulers of China and probably caused considerable difficulties for future missionaries to China.
Jansenist Debates
Durning the 1600's a "Calvinist" version of Catholicism developed called Jansenism after the originator. According to the Jansenists only a few chosen, or predestined ones, will enter heaven. They also developed a strict, even severe, religious discipline. Jansenism particularly spread in France and a convent, Port Royal, near Paris, was a center of Jansenist teaching.
The Pope condemned Jansenism in his Veneam Domini in 1705. Stronger measures were later taken and in 1709 the Port Royal convent was closed.
One particular opponent of the Jansenists was Fr. Louis de Montfort.
Pope Clement XI and St. Louis de Montfort
When then Fr. Louis de Montfort's call to preach was questioned, he decided to seek another opinion and walked to Rome to see the Pope. After considering the question, Pope Clement XI answered, "There is a large enough field in France for your to exercise your zeal; go nowhere else and work always in perfect submission to the bishops to whoe dioceses you may be called." And the Pope granted Louis de Montfort the title "Apostolic Missionary" ending any dispute over his right to preach.
In this matter, Pope Clement XI gave to the Church a energetic opponent to Jansenism and the gifts of Louis de Monfort's work which includes numerous books and several orders descended from this period.
Death
Pope Clement XI passed away in 1721 on the Feast of St. Joseph. What an appropriate day for his entering the next life! Like St. Joseph was a protector and provider for the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus, Pope Clement XI looked out for the needs of the Church in a variety of ways and led gracefully and with wisdom during a difficult period.
Clement XI Links
Biography from the Catholic Encyclopedia. A shorter version.
Clement XI's "Universal Prayer"
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