Urban VII holds the record for the shortest papacy in history. Before his election, Giovanni Battista Castagna had a long career as a diplomat and administrator. He served as papal envoy to Spain for many years. His election brought hope of a charitable and reforming pope. Within two weeks he had died of malaria. His smoking ban is often cited as the first in the world.
Key Milestones
1583: Made a cardinal
1590: Elected pope
1590: Dies after 13 days
Pope Urban VII (Latin: Urbanus VII; Italian: Urbano VII; 4 August 1521 – 27 September 1590), born Giovanni Battista Castagna, was head of the Catholic Church, and leader of the Papal States from 15 to 27 September 1590. His papacy is the shortest recognized in history.
Urban VII's birthday is August 4. He was born on August 4, 1521 in Rome, Italy.
How old was Urban VII when he died?
Urban VII died on September 27, 1590, aged 69.
Who shares a birthday with Urban VII?
Famous people who share Urban VII's August 4 birthday include Barack Obama, Louis Armstrong, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Knut Hamsun and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
