After a conclave lasting eighty days, the College of Cardinals elected Fabio Chigi as Pope Alexander VII.

1655 conclave

The 1655 conclave was convened following the death of Pope Innocent X and ended with the election of Cardinal Fabio Chigi as Alexander VII. The conclave quickly reached a deadlock, with Giulio Cesare Sacchetti receiving 33 votes throughout the conclave, but never securing enough…

College of Cardinals

Body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church

The College of Cardinals, also called the Sacred College of Cardinals, is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. As of 8 August 2025, there are 248 cardinals, of whom 130 are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. Appointed by the pope, cardinals serve…

Pope Alexander VII

Head of the Catholic Church from 1655 to 1667

Pope Alexander VII, born Fabio Chigi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 7 April 1655 to his death, in May 1667.