Pope Pius IV is elected, four months after his predecessor's death.

Pope Pius IV

Head of the Catholic Church from 1559 to 1565

Pope Pius IV, born Giovanni Angelo Medici, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 25 December 1559 to his death, in December 1565. Born in Milan, his family considered itself a branch of the House of Medici and used the same coat of arms. Although…

1559 conclave

The 1559 papal conclave was convened on the death of Pope Paul IV and elected Pope Pius IV as his successor. Due to interference from secular rulers and the cardinals' disregard for their supposed isolation from the outside world, it was the longest conclave of the 16th century.

December 25

Day of the year

December 25 is the 359th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; six days remain until the end of the year.