Gregory XIII

Full Name: Ugo Boncompagni
Profession: Pope

Nationality:

Biography: Pope Gregory XIII was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1572 until his death on 1585. He is most renowned for commissioning the Gregorian calendar, which is still the internationally accepted civil calendar.

Gregory XIII was born to Cristoforo Boncompagni and Angela Marescalchi. He studied law at the University of Bologna, graduating in 1530, and later taught jurisprudence. Among his students were future cardinals such as Alexander Farnese, Reginald Pole, and Charles Borromeo. He had an illegitimate son, Giacomo Boncompagni, with Maddalena Fulchini before taking holy orders.

His ecclesiastical career began when Pope Paul III summoned him to Rome, leading to various appointments, including first judge of the capital, abbreviator, and vice-chancellor of the Campagna e Marittima. Under Pope Paul IV, he served as datarius to Cardinal Carlo Carafa, and Pope Pius IV appointed him Cardinal-Priest of San Sisto Vecchio and sent him to the Council of Trent.

Following Pope Pius V's death, the conclave elected Cardinal Boncompagni, who chose the name Gregory XIII. His papacy focused on implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent, managing the Catholic Church's administration, and fostering the Counter-Reformation. He mandated cardinals to reside in their sees and updated the Index of Forbidden Books. Gregory XIII was a patron of education and the arts, significantly supporting the Jesuit colleges in Rome and founding numerous seminaries.

The hallmark of Gregory XIII's papacy was the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, replacing the Julian calendar to correct the drift of the equinoxes. Developed by the astronomer Aloysius Lilius and refined by Christopher Clavius, the new calendar was gradually adopted worldwide.

In foreign affairs, Gregory XIII supported the Catholic causes in Europe, including efforts against Protestantism. He backed plans to dethrone Elizabeth I of England and responded to the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of Huguenots in France by celebrating a Te Deum mass. His papacy witnessed the first Japanese embassy to Europe, as he met with the Tenshō ambassadors in 1585.

Gregory XIII's cultural patronage included building the Gregorian Chapel in St. Peter's Basilica and turning the Baths of Diocletian into a granary. He appointed his son Giacomo as castellan of Sant'Angelo and Gonfalonier of the Church. His financial policies, however, alienated many and caused economic and social disruptions in the Papal States.

During his pontificate, Gregory XIII canonized four saints and beatified his predecessor, Pope Gregory VII. He created 34 cardinals in eight consistories.

Born: January 7, 1502
Birthplace: Bologna, Papal States
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: April 10, 1585 (aged 83)