Born: 17 January 1504 · Died: 1 May 1572 · Age at death: 68
How old was Pius V when he died?
Pius V died aged 68. He was born on 17 January 1504 and died on 1 May 1572.
Sixteenth-century Pope who led the Catholic Counter-Reformation
Did you know?He is the reason Popes wear white, as he continued to wear his Dominican friar robes after his election.
Quick facts
Date of birth17 January 1504
Date of death1 May 1572
Age at death68
Cause of deathProstate cancer
NationalityItalian
BirthplaceBosco Marengo, Italy
OccupationCatholic priest, Catholic bishop
Editor's Take:
Pius V brought the strict habits of a Dominican friar to the papacy. He put the decrees of the Council of Trent into practice, publishing a new catechism and the Roman Missal that fixed the form of the Mass for four centuries. He cut back on luxury at the papal court. His severity also showed in his support for the Inquisition. His bull against Elizabeth I made life harder for English Catholics. Yet his greatest triumph was diplomatic, uniting Spain and Venice against the Ottoman navy.
Key Milestones
1557: Made a cardinal
1566: Elected pope
1570: Publishes the Roman Missal and excommunicates Elizabeth I
1571: Holy League wins the Battle of Lepanto
Pope Pius V, OP (Italian: Pio V; 17 January 1504 – 1 May 1572), born Antonio Ghislieri (and from 1518 called Michele Ghislieri), was head of the Catholic Church and leader of the Papal States from 7 January 1566 to his death, in May 1572. He was an inquisitor and is venerated as a saint of the Catholic Church.
