Gregory XV
Alessandro Ludovisi · 1621 – 1623
Founded the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith and established the modern conclave voting system.
Alessandro Ludovisi was from Bologna and became pope in 1621. In his brief two-year pontificate, he accomplished two things of lasting importance. He founded the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide in 1622, centralizing the Church's missionary efforts worldwide — an institution that still operates today. He also reformed conclave procedures, establishing the secret ballot system. He canonized Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri in a single ceremony.
Why He Matters
Gregory XV created the institution that would coordinate Catholic missions for the next four centuries. He also canonized four of the greatest saints of the Counter-Reformation in a single day. Two years was enough.