Pope Sixtus V (d. 1590)
Pope Sixtus V (Italian: Sisto V; 13 December 1521 – 27 August 1590), born Felice Piergentile, was head of the Catholic Church from 24 April 1585 to his death. As a youth, he joined the Franciscan order, where he displayed talents as a scholar and preacher, and enjoyed the patronage of Pius V, who made him a cardinal. As a cardinal, he was known as Cardinal Montalto.
As Pope, he energetically rooted out corruption and lawlessness across Rome, and launched a far-sighted rebuilding programme that continues to provoke controversy, as it involved the destruction of antiquities. The cost of these works was met by heavy taxation that caused much suffering. His foreign policy was regarded as over-ambitious, and he excommunicated both Queen Elizabeth I of England and King Henry IV of France. He is recognized as a significant figure of the Counter-Reformation. He is the most recent pope to date to take on the pontifical name "Sixtus".
1521Dec, 13
Pope Sixtus V
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Events on 1521
- 7Apr
Cebu (island)
Ferdinand Magellan arrives at Cebu. - 17Apr
Diet of Worms
Trial of Martin Luther over his teachings begins during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. Initially intimidated, he asks for time to reflect before answering and is given a stay of one day. - 27Apr
Ferdinand Magellan
Battle of Mactan: Explorer Ferdinand Magellan is killed by natives in the Philippines led by chief Lapu-Lapu. - 23Aug
Gustav I of Sweden
Christian II of Denmark is deposed as king of Sweden and Gustav Vasa is elected regent. - 29Aug
Nándorfehérvár
The Ottoman Turks capture Nándorfehérvár (Belgrade).