INNOCENT IX. (Giovanni Antonio Fachinetti) was born in 1519. He filled the offices of apostolic vicar of Avignon, legate at the council of Trent, nuncio to Venice, and president of the Inquisi tion. He became cardinal in 1583 ; and under the invalid Gregory XIV. assumed almost the entire conduct of affairs. His election to the papacy, on Oct. 29, 1591, was brought about by Philip II.
Innocent died on Dec. 3o, 1 591, and was succeeded by Clem ent VIII.
See Ciaconius, Vitae et res gestae summorum Pontiff. Rom. (16oI 02) ; Cicarella, continuator of Platina, De Vitis Pontiff. Rom. (both contemporaries of Innocent) ; Ranke, Popes (Eng. trans., Austin, 184o, etc.), ii. 233 seq. (all brief accounts) . (T. F. C.)