Pius V (1566–1572)

Biography

His parents, very good Christians and poor, were called Pablo and Dominga. Very soon someone discovered the excellent qualities that adorned the young Antonio for study and covered the expenses of his education. The Dominican Fathers, who were the leaders of that school, were admired by his intelligence and the transparency of his heart and opened their convent to him so that he could wear the habit of the Order of Saint. Sunday. On May 18, 1521, he cast his religious vows under the name of Brother Michael of Alexandria. He studied in Bologna where he was seen progressing in philosophical and theological science, and flying along the paths of holiness. In 1528 he received priestly ordination in Genoa. Once ordained a priest, he devoted himself fully to preaching and defending the faith against the heresies of all kinds that were spreading throughout Italy. His enemies came to try to tarnish his unwavering faith and fidelity to the Church. Paul IV named him first Bishop and then Cardinal. Fray Miguel wanted to escape from honors but they sought him out. In 1566 against his wishes, he was elected Pope. His opposition was of no use since he was the man the Church needed at that time. The Pontiff's life did not change in his dedication to prayer and austerity of life, but rather increased it even more. He fled from the vice of the time, which was nepotism. He tried with all his might to make Rome a peaceful and Christian city and a model for all the cities in the world. He based his pontificate on these four columns or dimensions: the reform of the Church through the implementation of the Tridentine decrees; the fight against heretics; the crusade against the Turks that was the eternal nightmare for Christians and the promotion of ecclesiastical sciences. He died on the 1st. May 1572 and was canonized by Clement XI on May 22, 1712.