Pope Paul III

Pope Paul III Biography

Let's look at the early life of Pope Paul III and a timeline of the significant events surrounding his papacy.

Early Life

On 29 February 1468, Alessandro Farnese was born in Canino, Lazio. He was educated at the University of Pisa, acquiring a humanist education and training as an apostolic notary.

As a cleric, Alessandro lived a remarkably self-indulgent life. Between 1500 and 1510, he and his mistress, Silvia Ruffini, had at least four children. Despite being named Bishop of Parma in March 1509, Alessandro only became ordained as a priest in June 1519.

During his time as Bishop of Parma, Alessandro broke off relations with his mistress and committed himself to Catholicism.

Pope Paul III Timeline

Below is a brief timeline outlining the life of Pope Paul III.

Pope Paul III Facts

Here, we will examine Pope Paul III's journey to becoming pope, how he ascended the papal throne, and the religious background of the time.

Becoming Pope

Upon the death of Pope Clement VII in 1534, Alessandro Farnese was elected Pope Paul III on 13 October 1534.

Alessandro Farnese was a popular choice among the Catholic hierarchy primarily because his ill-health ensured a short papacy. The cardinals saw Farnese's short papacy as an opportunity to create a sort of interim period to search for a proper long-term papal candidate for the future.

Fig. 1 Pope Paul III.

Background to Pope Paul III's Rule

Pope Paul III ascended the papal throne during a tumultuous time for Catholicism. What was going on that caused this atmosphere?

• The Italian Wars were a series of conflicts between 1494 and 1559. Fought predominantly between France and Spain, both sides fought for control of Italy. The Italian Wars resulted in Spanish domination of Italy, shifting power from Italy to North West Europe.
• The Protestant Reformation movement swept across Europe in the 1500s, splitting Western Christianity into Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.
• The Sack of Rome on 6 May 1527. Some 20,000 German and Spanish soldiers—marching under the banner of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V – invaded Rome. The troops plundered the city of Rome, killing men, women, and children. The Sack of Rome marked a turning point in Catholicism. The Golden Age of the renaissance – as incarnated in the paintings of Michelangelo and Raphael – was over.

Fig. 2 Battle of Marciano.

Pope Paul III Accomplishments

Pope Paul III led the Catholic Church during a tumultuous period for Roman Catholicism. With the Protestant Reformation raging and the power of the Catholic Church waning across Europe, Pope Paul III introduced a series of measures to reform Catholicism and stem the spread of Protestantism.

Pope Paul III Reformation

A key figure in reforming the Roman Catholic Church against the threat of Protestant ascendency, Pope Paul III carried out a series of far-reaching reforms.

The Council of Trent

In May 1536, Pope Paul III commissioned a group of trusted cardinals to examine the abuses within the Catholic Church. The cardinals produced the 1537 Consilium de emendenda ecclesia, which outlined fundamental abuses and suggested reform. The report found that:

• Substandard priests were being ordained.
• Incompetent bishops were being appointed.
• Benefices were being accumulated.
• Religious orders were living lavish lives.
• Preaching was substandard.

Unfortunately, the report of the cardinals fell into Protestant hands. Protestant religious leader Martin Luther used this information to attack the papacy. Such a setback was exacerbated by the significant opposition of kings, emperors, and princes, who relentlessly hindered the council.

On 13 December 1545, after nine years, the Council of Trent was inaugurated. The Council of Trent marked significant progress for the Roman Catholic Church, reforming its teachings and actions.

Statesmanship

Diplomacy and statesmanship were crucial tenets of Pope Paul III's papacy. While Pope, Paul III often visited troubled European states to broker peace and stability. He visited Civitavecchia (1535 and 1537), Lucca and Piacenza (1538), Perugia (1540), and Bologna (1543).

Pope Paul III showed his negotiatory shrewdness during the Italian War (1536-1538), a conflict between Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and King Francis I of France. With profound diplomatic aptitude, Pope Paul III avoided siding with either monarch, encouraging both monarchs to turn their attentions against the Ottoman Turks.

The Treaty of Nice was signed in 1538, ending the war between Charles V and Francis I. The same year as The Treaty of Nice, Pope Paul III excommunicated Henry VIII, who had appointed himself the head of the Church of England.

Fig. 3 The Truce of Nice (1538)

New Catholic Groups

Pope Paul III legitimised new Catholic religious orders such as the Barnabites, Jesuits, Ursulines, and The Congregation of the Oratory throughout his papacy. By legitimising such forward-thinking groups, Pope Paul III was able to further the cause of reform.

Fig. 4 Pope Paul III legitimises the Jesuits

The Roman Inquisition

In 1542, Pope Paul III created the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition (a.k.a. The Roman Inquisition). The Roman Inquisition was a system of courts and tribunals established to prosecute anti-Catholics and combat Protestant heresy in Catholic territories. While brutal in its methods, the Roman Inquisition suppressed heretics efficiently.

Pope Paul III Contributions

As well his contributions to the Catholic Reformation, Pope Paul III had several achievements outside the domain of the Reformation.

Patron of the Arts

Pope Paul III was a patron of the Arts. During his time as patron, he restored the University of Rome and enhanced the Vatican Library. While his primary focus was on theologians and philosophers, he also had a soft spot for the fine arts. He confirmed plans to construct St Peter's Basilica, ordered the renovation of the Pauline Chapel, and even persuaded Michelangelo to finish 'The Last Judgement' canvas for the Sistine Chapel.

Fig. 5 Portrait of Pope Paul III by Raphael (1512)

Opposition to Indigenous Enslavement

In 1537, Pope Paul III issued the 'Sublimus Deus'. The decree banned the enslavement of Native Americans and gave them rights to freedom and private property. Although many colonists ignored it, the decree became law in Spain. It demonstrated the increasingly forward-thinking attitude of the Roman Catholic Church.

Fig. 6 Sublimus Deus

Controversy

Charges of nepotism marred Pope Paul III's reign. He used his position of power to further the careers of his children and their families. In one instance, Pope Paul III appointed two of his grandsons – aged 14 and 16 – as cardinals.

Death of Pope Paul III

Pope Paul III celebrated the anniversary of his papal coronation on 3 November 1549. Despite the momentous occasion, Pope Paul III was distracted by the fall of Parma to Emperor Charles V. Three days later, Pope Paul III contracted a severe fever.

On 7 November 1549, it was discovered that the Pope had contracted catarrh: an inflammation of the mucus membrane in the airwaves. Three days later, on 10 November 1549, Pope Paul III died from his illness. It is reported that he repented for his nepotism while on his deathbed.

Legacy of Pope Paul III

While Pope Paul III's papacy is tarnished by nepotism, he oversaw some significant achievements throughout his reign. By establishing the Council of Trent, the Roman Inquisition, and the Treaty of Nice, Pope Paul reformed the Catholic Church and countered some instances of Protestant expansion throughout Europe. His forward-thinking attitude was not limited to Catholic reform as he oversaw significant developments in arts and culture and advocated freedom for Native Americans.