Paul IV

Paul IV 1476-1559, pope (1555-59), a Neapolitan named Gian Pietro Carafa; successor of Marcellus II. First superior of the Theatines (see Cajetan, Saint ), he was sternly ascetic. A leading reformer, he organized the Inquisition set up by Paul III. As pope, he labored to purify the clergy and abolish corruption and worldliness from the papal curia, thus promoting reform (see Counter Reformation ). He repudiated the settlement between Mary I of England and Reginald Cardinal Pole , and he later declared Elizabeth I illegitimate and unfit to be queen. He was succeeded by Pius IV.

Paul IV (1754–1801) Emperor of Russia (1796–1801), son of Catherine II (the Great). He re-established the principle of hereditary succession and instituted repressive measures to protect Russia from the influence of the French Revolution. Paul's erratic conduct and his hostility towards his son, Alexander, led to his murder by nobles and military officers.

Paul IV (1476–1559), Pope from 1555. Giovanni Pietro Carafa was Bp. of Chieti (Theate) from 1504 to 1524, sitting in 1520 on the commission at Rome appointed to deal with the affair of M. Luther. He resigned his bishopric to found, in conjunction with St Cajetan, the Theatine Order. In 1536 he became Abp. of Naples. As Pope his hatred of Spain led him to quarrel with Mary Tudor, and his opposition to anything savouring of Protestantism was so violent that he even had cardinals brought before the Inquisition.