ABSTRACT
In spite of the peace which prevailed between France and spain, the opposition between their respective interests had not ceased to smoulder; and, without actually fanning it into flame, Clement VIII contrived to turn it to his advantage. Pope Clement VIII lighted upon a choice which was in every respect an excellent one, when he committed the management of State affairs to his nephew, Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini. In the endeavour to wrest rights out of the hands of the Powers, the new Pope met, in the beginning of his career, with pronounced success. The motive that prompted the Pope to range himself on the side of France was the struggle for the Mantuan succession, which was assuming a more and more threatening aspect. In the endeavour to wrest rights out of the hands of the Powers, the new Pope met, in the beginning of his career, with pronounced success.
