Pope Pius V

Antonio Ghislieri was born to poor parents in Bosco Marengo, a small town in the Duchy of Milan, Italy.

At the age of 14, Antonio Ghislieri joins the Dominican Order, taking the name Michele da Ghislieri, beginning his religious training.

Michele da Ghislieri is ordained as a priest, marking the beginning of his active ministry and religious service.

Michele is appointed prior of the convent of St. Catherine in Bologna, a significant step in his ecclesiastical career.

Michele is appointed as Inquisitor General in Lombardy, tasked with rooting out heresy and maintaining orthodoxy.

Pope Paul III elevates Michele to the position of Bishop of Sutri and Nepi, further advancing his role in the Church hierarchy.

Michele is appointed Cardinal by Pope Marcellus II, a significant milestone in his ecclesiastical career and influence.

Michele is appointed as Inquisitor General of the Roman Inquisition, a powerful position in the fight against heresy.

Michele da Ghislieri is elected Pope and takes the name Pius V, becoming the leader of the Catholic Church during a tumultuous period.

Pope Pius V issues the bull 'Regnans in Excelsis,' excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I of England and declaring her a heretic.

Pope Pius V promulgates the 'Catechism of the Council of Trent,' a key text for the Counter-Reformation and Catholic education.

Pope Pius V reforms the Roman Breviary, standardizing the liturgical prayers and practices of the Catholic Church.

Pope Pius V forms the Holy League, an alliance of Catholic states to combat the Ottoman Empire, leading to the Battle of Lepanto.

The Holy League, under the leadership of Pope Pius V, achieves a decisive victory over the Ottoman fleet at the Battle of Lepanto.

Pope Pius V dies in Rome, leaving a legacy as a key figure in the Counter-Reformation and a saint in the Catholic Church.