Pope Paul IV, born Gian Pietro Carafa, C.R. (Latin: Paulus IV; Italian: Paolo IV; 28 June 1476 – 18 August 1559) was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 23 May 1555 to his death in August 1559. While serving as papal nuncio in Spain, he developed an anti-Spanish outlook that later coloured his papacy. In response to an invasion of part of the Papal States by Spain during his papacy, he called for a French military intervention. After a defeat of the French and with Spanish troops at the edge of Rome, the Papacy and Spain reached a compromise: French and Spanish forces left the Papal States and the Pope thereafter adopted a neutral stance between France and Spain.
Born |
28 June 1476 Capriglia Irpina, Kingdom of Naples
|
Died |
18 August 1559 (aged 83) Rome, Papal States
|
Zodiac | Cancer |
Tags | Add tag |