Becoming the pope of the Catholic Church on 13 October 1534, Pope Paul III ascended the papacy at a time of significant religious uncertainty. The Sack of Rome (1527) and the start of the Protestant Reformation (1517) had transformed the religious landscape of Europe and spread uncertainty within Catholicism. Throughout his 15 years as pope, Pope Paul III initiated the Counter-Reformation. What was this, what role did Pope Paul III play, and ultimately, what was his stamp on papal history?
Pope Paul III: Key Terms
Before we examine the papal life of Pope Paul III, we first need to grasp several key terms.
| Key Term | Meaning |
| Pope | The head of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| Catholic | Followers of the Roman Catholic faith who accept the Pope as their leader. |
| The Sack of Rome (1527) | The event when Spanish, German, and Italian forces, under the banner of Charles V, pillaged the Holy City of Rome. |
| Protestant | A member of the Christian Church that separated from the Roman Catholic Church. |
| Protestant Reformation (1517) | A 1500s religious movement that created Protestantism, the Christian schism of religious groups that separated from the Roman Catholic Church. |
| Counter-Reformation | The efforts of Roman Catholics to counter the Protestant Reformation. |
| Council of Trent (1545) | A conference held by Catholic clergy to reform Catholicism and refute the beliefs of Protestants. |
| Treaty of Nice (1538) | Ended the Italian War between King Francis I of France and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. |
| Roman Inquisition (1542) | The policy to fight Protestant heresy in Catholic territories. |
Heresy
Holding religious beliefs that contradict the teachings of the church.
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.
| Year | Event |
| 1468 | On 29 February 1468, Pope Paul III was born in Italy as Alessandro Farnese. |
| 1534 | Paul III became the pope of the Catholic Church on 13 October 1534. |
| 1536 | The Portuguese Inquisition began. People practicing Judaism were killed, expulsed, and forcefully converted. |
| 1537 | The Council of Trent. |
| Pope Paul III opposed the enslavement of Indigenous Peoples of North America. |
| 1538 | Treaty of Nice. |
| Pope Paul III excommunicated King Henry VIII. |
| 1540 | The pope gave official approval to the Jesuit branch of Christianity. |
| 1542 | He allowed property rights to Jews who converted to Christianity. |
| The Roman Inquisition began. |
| 1549 | On 10 November 1549, Pope Paul III died. |
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.
Cardinal
A religious official of the Roman Catholic Church who ranks just below the Pope
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.
Benefices
Compensation in exchange for services and as a retainer for future services.
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.
Due to their mutual hatred, both monarchs refused to share a room with the other. Pope Paul III walked room to room during negotiations to broker peace.
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.
Nepotism
Using one's power and influence to favour relatives or friends.
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.
Pope Paul III – Key takeaways
- Pope Paul III ascended the Papal throne in 1534 during a time of significant religious turmoil – the power of the Catholic Church was dwindling, and Protestantism was spreading exponentially throughout Europe.
- To combat the spread of Protestantism, Pope Paul III commissioned the Council of Trent to identify the failings of the Catholic Church.
- The findings of the Council of Trent prompted the Catholic Reformation – a series of far-reaching Catholic institutional reforms such as the Roman Inquisition, the legitimisation of new religious orders, and the banning of the sale of indulgences.
- Dying from catarrh in 1549, Pope Paul's legacy is one of advance and progression.
- Despite overseeing a period of unprecedented Catholic reform, his reign was marred by charges of nepotism.
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