Urban VII

Who he was

Born in Rome to a Genoese father, he was a doctor of civil and canon law, Archbishop of Rossano, a member of the Council of Trent, and for seven years papal nuncio in Spain. He later served as nuncio to Venice, governor of Bologna and head of the Holy Office. He was elected to general rejoicing, but fell ill within days and died before he could be crowned.

What he is remembered for

He reigned for just twelve days and is remembered for how much kindness he packed into them: he had a list made of Rome's poor so they could be helped, made bread cheaper for the city, and refused to give his relatives any office. He left his fortune to provide dowries for poor girls.

Sources

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1912): Pope Urban VII