Editing Pope Benedict XIV (section)

===Personality===
Benedict XIV was considered one of the best scholars to have sat on the papal throne, noted for his keen intellect and his consistent morals. Noted for his modesty, [[Horace Walpole]] procured for the pope a statue of him with an accompanying plaque. When the copy of the inscription was forwarded to Rome for approval, Benedict XIV smiled upon reading it and, shaking his head, exclaimed: "Alas! I am like the statues of the [[St. Peter's Square|Piazza San Pietro]] – admirable at a distance but monstrous when seen at close quarters!"<ref name=Pickle>{{cite web|url=https://www.pickle-publishing.com/papers/triple-crown-benedict-xiv.htm|title=Pope Benedict XIV: Proceedings of the Conclave that led to his election|publisher=Pickle Publishing|date=2005|access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref>

Benedict XIV was an avid gambler. He frequently used profane language, which one of his early biographers called "unfortunate phraseology." He had a crucifix placed in every room, and it is said that seeing it helped restrain his colorful language.<ref name=Pickle/>

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.<ref name=Pickle/>