April 30, Feast of St. Pius V, Pope

 

St. Pius became a bishop in 1556, cardinal in 1557, then Grand Inquisitor in 1558. By 1565, he was Pope!

He is best known for implementing changes in the Church outlined in the Council of Trent. He also published the Catholic Catechism, revised the Roman Breviary and Missal, and declared St. Thomas Aquinas a Doctor of the Church.

Besides all that, he organized an alliance between Venice and Spain which culminated in the defeat of the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto.


If you're ever near the Basillica di Santa Maria Maggiori, stop in and say "Hi"!