Pope Clement XI, born Giovanni Francesco Albani in 1649, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1700 until his death in 1721. He was known for his efforts to promote the Counter-Reformation and strengthen the Church's influence in Europe. His papacy was marked by the establishment of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith to support missionary work. Clement XI also faced challenges, including political conflicts and the War of the Spanish Succession. He was involved in various theological disputes, notably regarding the Jansenism controversy. His legacy includes the promotion of art and culture, as well as the canonization of several saints.