His conscientious and fervent attachment to the Church of which he was the head had induced him, at one of the most critical conjunctures in her history, to ally herself with her mortal enemies.
The news of his decease was received with concern and alarm by Protestant princes and commonwealths, and with joy and hope at Versailles and Dublin.

An extraordinary ambassador of high rank was instantly despatched by Lewis to Rome.

The French garrison which had been placed in Avignon was withdrawn.

When the votes of the Conclave had been united in favour of Peter Ottobuoni, an ancient Cardinal who assumed the appellation of Alexander the Eighth, the representative of France assisted at the installation, bore up the cope of the new Pontiff, and put into the hands of His Holiness a letter in which the most Christian King declared that he renounced the odious privilege of protecting robbers and assassins.

Alexander pressed the letter to his lips, embraced the bearer, and talked with rapture of the near prospect of reconciliation.