Gregory XIV

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Gregory XIV

pope

Also known as: Niccolò Sfondrati

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Feb 7, 2025 • Article History

Quick Facts

Original name:: Niccolò Sfondrati

Born:: Feb. 11, 1535, Somma, near Milan [Italy]

Died:: Oct. 16, 1591, Rome, Papal States (aged 56)

Title / Office:: pope (1590-1591)

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Gregory XIV (born Feb. 11, 1535, Somma, near Milan [Italy]—died Oct. 16, 1591, Rome, Papal States) was the pope from 1590 to 1591.

Appointed bishop of Cremona in the duchy of Milan (1560), he was made cardinal by Pope Gregory XIII (1583) and elected pope on Dec. 5, 1590. He continued the policies of his immediate predecessors, particularly in furthering the internal reform of the church. During his reign of less than one year, his nepotism angered the cardinals while the Roman masses resented the food shortages and lawlessness that prevailed.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.