About
Head of the Catholic Church and papal states from 1572 until his death in 1585. He is known for his role in the Counter Reformation, founding the Gregorian calendar and Gregorian University, and his patronization of the Jesuits. His successor was Sixtus V.
Before Fame
He was born in Bologna, Italy as Ugo Boncompagni, and studied at the University of Bologna. His predecessor Pius V, made him a cardinal and emissary to Spain in 1565.
Trivia
He built a Gregorian chapel inside St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy.
Family Life
His father was Cristoforo Boncompagni, a member of a noble Italian family. He had an illegitimate son named Giacomo Boncompagni.
Associated With
He was a legate for Philip II of Spain.
