Share

This week in Christian history: ‘Christmas Conference,' Pius IV elected

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Pope Pius IV elected pope – Dec. 25, 1559

Pope Pius IV (1499-1565), the head of the Roman Catholic Church who championed the Counter-Reformation and reconvened the Council of Trent.
Pope Pius IV (1499-1565), the head of the Roman Catholic Church who championed the Counter-Reformation and reconvened the Council of Trent. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Giovanni Angelo de’ Medici was elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pius IV upon becoming pope.

Under his reign, Pius IV successfully reconvened the Council of Trent, which had been suspended since 1552, and saw the church gathering to its conclusion.

“Pius confirmed its decrees and definitions in his bull Benedictus Deus … on the following November 3, he published a summary of doctrine generally known as the Professio Fidei Tridentina (‘Tridentine Profession of the Faith’), imposing it on the bishops as obligatory,” explained Britannica.

“Pius also encouraged St. Teresa of Ávila’s celebrated Carmelite reform and reduced the powers of the Inquisition. Having revived the Roman university, he launched an energetic building program, patronizing Michelangelo.”

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

You’ve readarticles in the last 30 days.

Was this article helpful?

Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

Our work is made possible by the generosity of supporters like you. Your contributions empower us to continue breaking stories that matter, providing clarity from a biblical worldview, and standing for truth in an era of competing narratives.

By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, you’re helping to keep CP’s articles free and accessible for everyone.

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage.

Most Popular