Pope Gregory XIV
A gentle and pious man thrust onto the papal throne, whose brief reign was defined by unwavering support for the Catholic League in France.
1535–1591 (age 56)·Head of the Catholic Church from 1590 to 1591·Birthday: February 11
Biography
Pope Gregory XIV excommunicated Henry of Navarre in 1591. Born Niccolò Sfondrati, the deeply spiritual man preferred prayer and theological study to the ruthless politics of the Counter-Reformation. His surprise election in 1590 resulted from a deadlocked conclave seeking a compromise candidate. Inexperience and frail health left him heavily influenced by his nephew. His pontificate, lasting less than a year, focused entirely on the French religious wars. He provided financial and military support to the Catholic League, intensifying the conflict but failing to shift its outcome. Gregory XIV was a holy man ill-suited to the temporal demands of his office.
#1 When Pope Was Born
The biggest hits of 1535
Pope's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1535Born
1540Started school
1548Became a teenager
1551Could drive
1553Could vote
1556Turned 21
1565Turned 30
1575Turned 40
1585Turned 50
1591Died at 56
Key Achievements
- Issued the papal bull 'Cogit nos' in 1591, which excommunicated Henry of Navarre (the future Henry IV of France).
- Provided substantial financial subsidies to the Catholic League in the French Wars of Religion.
- Appointed his nephew, Paolo Emilio Sfondrati, as a cardinal and his primary political advisor.
Did You Know?
He was a close friend and spiritual son of Saint Charles Borromeo.
Before his election, he was the Bishop of Cremona for over two decades.
His papacy is one of the shortest in history, lasting just under ten months.
He suffered from poor health throughout his papacy, likely from gallstones.
“I will proceed with the utmost caution, consulting the cardinals in all things.”
