the Piazza San Pietro — admirable at a distance but monstrous when seen at close quarters!" However, Benedict XIV also had his personal faults, unable to resist gambling in cards and was known for the use of profane language which one of his early biographers classified as "unfortunate phraseology". Despite his best efforts, the pontiff was unable to completely cut out bad language. A deeply pious man, Benedict XIV had a crucifix placed in every room, and it is said that the sight of a crucifix helped to restrain his poor language more often than not. Despite his faults, Benedict XIV was jovial and was lucid until the very end. To those who knew him, his blue eyes seemed to sparkle with humor and cordiality. Death and burial Benedict XIV had suffered from kidney problems for years. His health worsened in 1758 and, after a battle with gout, he died on 3 May 1758 at the age of 83. His final words to those surrounding him on his deathbed were, "I leave you in the hands of God." Despite those words, the pope is alleged to have recited the famous Latin phrase "Sic transit gloria mundi" before poignantly adding "I now fall into silence and forgetfulness, the only place that belongs to me". Benedict XIV originally demonstrated symptoms of illness on 26 April 1758 after having previously rallied from a serious illness that included gout that February. However, a contracted fever aggravated his asthma and he suffered from difficulties in urinating. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly in the following days after his gout and contracted kidney disease increased his sufferings. Despite this, his appetite had not diminished which was interpreted as a sign that he could potentially rally from his malady. However, into May, his condition had worsened considerably, though the pope remained lucid until the end, able to impart one last blessing before he died on 3 May. Following his funeral, he was interred in Saint Peter's Basilica and a large catafalque was erected in his honour. See also Apostolicae Servitutis Cardinals created by Benedict XIV Castrato – Benedict XIV was one of the first popes to voice displeasure regarding the use of castrated males in church choir services. He did nothing, however, to stop the practice. List of popes Suppression of the Jesuits Encyclical Vix pervenit Notes References Footnotes Bibliography Bettanini, A.M. (1931). Benedetto XIV e la Repubblica