L'abbé Renaudot en Italie (1700-1701)

Pierre-François Burger : Abbé Renaudot in Italy (1700-1701). Eusèbe Renaudot (1648-1720), who was a journalist, orientalist and secret agent, attended the conclave which elected Pope Clement XI. Then he stayed on in Rome until September 1701 to conduct business and intrigue with the Roman court, taking part in almost all the current affairs. His discussions with the Pope were probably not successful, despite his belief that attention meant approval. His relations with Cardinal Janson deteriorated and he had to leave Rome in September 1701. In Paris he transmitted a Papal message to the Theo¬ logy Faculty, which apparently welcomed it favourably while severely criticising the legitimacy of this unofficial messenger whose mission was not clearly defined.