Pope Benedict XI (1240 – 7 July 1304), born Nicola Boccasini (Niccolò of Treviso), was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 22 October 1303 to his death, in 7 July 1304.Conradus Eubel, Hierarchia catholica medii aevi I editio altera (Monasterii 1913), p. 13.