1504 – 1572
FEAST April 30
Antonio Ghislieri began life as a poor Italian shepherd, but became a leader in the Catholic Reformation. Ordained a Dominican in 1528, he taught theology and philosophy and served as novice master and prior. A fanatical Catholic, he was named local inquisitor, then bishop, cardinal and grand inquisitor in swift succession. Unanimously elected pope in 1566, he implemented the decrees of the Council of Trent, published the Roman Catechism, reformed the Roman Missal and Breviary, and excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I of England. He also organized the European alliance that defeated the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto, afterward declaring the battle date the feast of Our Lady of Victory.