Pope Pius VI

Pope Pius VI, who served as Pope from 1775 to 1799, was a significant religious leader during a turbulent period in history marked by the French Revolution and the rise of secularism. He is known for his efforts to maintain the authority of the Catholic Church against revolutionary movements that challenged its power. Pius VI opposed the secularization of church property and the imposition of state control over the church in France. His papacy faced crisis when he was captured by French troops and exiled, dying in captivity in 1799. His leadership highlighted the struggles between church and state in modern Europe.