Part of a noble Neapolitan family.
Sought admisstion to the Dominican and Camaldolese Orders, appreciating their ascetic lifestyles.
Well educated, with a background in Greek and Hebrew.
Bishop of Chieti, Italy.
Papalnuncio to England and then Spain for PopeLeo X.
In 1524 he resigned all positions to join the Theatines.
Following the sack of Rome in 1527, the Theatines retreated to Venice, but they were recalled to Rome by PopePaul III where Giovanni worked on reform of the papal court.
Created cardinal on 22 December1536.
Archbishop of Naples.
Reorganized and reformed the Inquisition in Italy.
Being ascetic and incorruptible by nature, he was greatly distrusted by Emperor Charles.
A surprise choice as 223rd pope in 1555, he reluctantly accepted in order to reduce the influence of the emperor over the papacy.
He allied with France, alienated England, rejected Elizabeth's claim to the throne, strengthened the Inquisition, and charged ahead with reforms.
To his shame he issued the order creating the Roman Ghetto for all the city's Jews, and became very free with appointments for relatives.
![[Pope Paul IV]](pope0223.jpg "4kb jpg detail of a portrait of Pope Paul IV, date unknown, artist unknown; if you have information about this image, please email me; please do not write to ask about the image")