Did Pope Alexander VII have a secret wife and children?

Question

During a visit to Saint Peter's basilica this year, I was staggered - dumbstruck- (as I suppose many people are) - by Bernini's monument to Pope Alexander VII. It is a daring , audacious and amazing object to be sure. Our tour guide, however, told us a disreputable story concerning this work of art. He said that Alexander VII had a secret wife and that she is represented in the monument- she is the left hand figure holding up a baby towards the pope, and that furthermore this baby is actually the result of their illicit union. Is there any historical basis for this statement or was he merely "spicing up " the tour somewhat? - I have researched on line for any further info on this but drawn a blank.

Answer 1

yes. he had, but not wife, a lover. her name was Vannozza Catanei. the name of the daughter was Lucrecia Borgia. the girl was born when the pope was bishop. and she was very maleficus. the daughter had a son with her father or brother (it isnt clear). the thing that is clear is that the pope made orgies, an in one of these was his daugher and the brother of the daugher, so we dont know of who is the grandson. when the pope died, the daugheter got married with the duke of Ferrara, and she had a normal life

Answer 2

another da vinci code in the making

Answer 3

From what I have read a number of popes, cardinals, bishops, priests have had secret wives, children, mistresses.

Answer 4

Actually I did a bit of research and found out that Alexander the VI(1492-1503) had 6 children. He had 4 with a Roman lady, named Vanozza dei Catanei,  had a mistress and made his brother in law a cardinal. Of course in those days alliances were made through marriages and this apparently was one of them.  I got this info from: The Popes A Concise Biographical History Edited by Eric John, I also ref'd it from newadvent.org/ which is the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Answer 5

Yany, Lucretzia Borgia was the daughter of Alexander VI.

As far as Alexander VII having a secret wife and children, it is possible, but the lack of information about it makes it unlikely.  He was fairly indulgent towards his nephews, had he had children he would have been indulgent towards them too.  Your tour guide may have confused his Alexanders.