Julius III
Giovanni Maria Ciocchi del Monte · 1550 – 1555
Reconvened the Council of Trent but spent much of his pontificate on leisure and patronage of the arts.
Giovanni Maria was from Rome and had presided over the early sessions of the Council of Trent before becoming pope in 1550. He reconvened the council in 1551, but political conflict with France soon suspended it again. He supported the Jesuits and confirmed their constitutions. His personal life drew criticism — he lived lavishly and appointed a teenage favorite as cardinal. He represents the mixed character of the Counter-Reformation papacy.
Why He Matters
Julius III kept the Council of Trent alive during a difficult period, even if he could not bring it to completion. His support for the Jesuits proved to be one of the most consequential decisions of the era.