The statue of the Pope Benedict XIII is located in the homonymous square in front the Santa Maria Assunta co-cathedral, right after the Church ‘Santa Maria del Suffragio’ and Finya Library.

Born in Gravina in 1649, Pier Francesco Orsini, Duke Ferdinando III Orsini’s firstborn, lived in the Murgian town until he was 17 years old and decided to embrace the ecclesiastic career and the love for God, even though he was the heir of the feud. He was moved by great faith, nevertheless, his mother tried to divert him from his spiritual journey. However, in 1668 he renounced his titles and started the religious life by the name ‘Brother Vincenzo Maria’. After being named ‘Archbishop’ earlier in Siponto-Manfredonia and later in Benevento, he was elected pontiff upon the death of Pope Innocent XIII in 1724. His pontificate was noted for its great humanity.

In 1725 Pope Benedict XIII convened the XVIII Jubilee in the history of the Church, held without luxury and in the name of penance and devotion. He then built the hospital for infectious diseases ‘San Gallicano’ in Rome. He founded the Correctional Facility in Cometo for the rehabilitation of prisoners, he enlarged the hospice ‘Trinità dei Pellegrini’ and he wanted the steps of ‘Trinità dei Monti’ to be completed and inaugurated. He died in 1730 in Rome. In 1733 his relics were transported to ‘Santa Maria sopra Minerva’ Basilica and in 1931 he received the posthumous title of Servant of God.

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