Pope Paul IV (223º): Sistine Chapel & Art — Complete Guide

Who Was Pope Paul IV?

Among the 267 popes, Paul IV is number 223, remembered for the years 23 May 1555–18 August 1559 in the Renaissance papacy. Search interest often clusters around Sistine Chapel & Art. Subject of the Kingdom of Naples. Use the sections below to move from a one-line summary of Paul IV to a usable historical and spiritual picture.

Early Life & Background

Before election he was known as Gian Pietro Carafa, C.R.. Born 28 June 1476 Capriglia Irpina, Kingdom of Naples, he entered a world shaped by politics and piety very different from today's global Church.

Historical Context

Paul IV (#undefined) sat on Peter's chair amid artistic patronage, political intrigue, Reformation shocks, and the widening world of the Americas.

Pontificate & Key Events

The pontificate (23 May 1555–18 August 1559) centered on governance during the Renaissance papacy. Founder and member of the Theatines. Ordered Michelangelo to repaint the nude figures in The Last Judgment modestly.

Papal Acts & Achievements

Acts associated with Paul IV (#223, 23 May 1555–18 August 1559) still draw historians and Catholics who want more than a one-line summary. His reign remains a link in the succession now counted at 267 popes. Papal motto: Dominus mihi adjutor ("The Lord is my helper").

Key Highlights

• 223rd pope of the Catholic Church
• Pontificate: 23 May 1555–18 August 1559
• Shepherded the Church during the Renaissance papacy
• Successor of St. Peter in the official Catholic list

Legacy in the Catholic Church

Paul IV remains pope 223º in the Annuario Pontificio. Set against the Renaissance papacy, Paul IV's choices show both the limits of any one pontiff and the continuity of the office he held.

Why Catholics Study This Pope Today

Place Paul IV on your mental map: 223º successor of Peter, reigning 23 May 1555–18 August 1559, formed by the Renaissance papacy. Start with the concrete record: Established the Roman Ghetto in the bull Cum nimis absurdum(1555) and published the Index of Forbidden Books(1559). Where bulls, conciliar acts, or encyclicals survive from this reign, they repay readers who want primary sources rather than summaries alone. Compare Paul IV with the biographies of his predecessor and successor linked below to see reform, rupture, or quiet continuity.

Place in the Line of Succession

Paul IV followed Pope Marcellus II (222º, 9 April 1555–1 May 1555) after a transition shaped by the politics and piety of their shared century. He was followed by Pope Pius IV (224º, 26 December 1559–9 December 1565), whose biography continues the chain on Guide Catholic. For the full chronological map, see our complete list of all 267 popes — then read neighboring biographies for contrast, not only continuity.