Paul IV

Full Name: Giampietro Caraffa
Profession: Pope

Nationality:

Biography: Paul IV, head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States, was appointed Pope in 1555 and served in this position until 1559. He was known as a tireless advocate of the Counter-Reformation and a staunch opponent of Spain.

Prior to being elected pope, as cardinal he oversaw a reorganisation of the Roman Inquisition and was known as an uncompromising reformer. This was a characteristic which he carried over into his papal duties, along with his disdain for Spaniards and Habsburgs, which led to a strife-ridden papacy.

His violent orthodoxy in opposition to Protestantism in England was ultimately to be self-defeating, with his diplomatic failures ending the possibility of any further agreement with the English crown.

Born: June 28, 1476
Birthplace: Carpriglio, Italy
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: August 18, 1559 (aged 83)