Gregory X, born Teobaldo Visconti around 1210 in Piacenza, was a Cistercian who served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1271 until his death in 1276. His election followed the longest papal vacancy in the history of the Church, which had lasted from 1268 to 1271. During his papacy, he oversaw the Second Council of Lyon and established significant new rules for the conduct of future papal elections. He is recognized as a blessed in the Catholic tradition.
Life and work
Before his election, Teobaldo served in various ecclesiastical roles, including as a canon and an archdeacon. He worked closely with influential clergy and assisted in organizing the Council of Lyons in 1245. After his election, he implemented regulations for the papal conclave that remained the standard procedure for centuries. He governed the Papal States until he died in Arezzo on January 10, 1276.
Veneration
The Church recognizes him as blessed, having been beatified by Pope Clement XI in 1713. His feast day is observed on January 10. He is commemorated within both Catholic and Orthodox traditions.