Conclave of 1667
Still protected by Christina of Sweden and led by her now-favourite Azzolino, the Squadrone continued to operate during Pope Alexander's reign and remained highly involved in European politics in the second half of the 17th century.
In 1667, Alexander died and the College of Cardinals again convened for the papal conclave of 1667.
By then, the Squadrone had developed a good working relationship with those cardinals who remained loyal to the French. While still independent, the Squadrone engineered the nomination of Giulio Rospigliosi by the French who was acceptable to the leader of the Spanish faction, Cardinal Ernst von Harrach.
Rospigliosi was elected and took the throne as Pope Clement IX.
Adding further credence to the alleged involvement of the Squadrone, Rospigliosi, who was Cardinal Secretary of State, resigned the post and appointed Cardinal Azzolino as his replacement on the very night he was elected.
Read more about this topic: Squadrone Volante