Paul

Paul, name of 6 Italian popes. Paul III (Alessandro Farnese; 1468–1549), pope (1534–49), encouraged the first major reforms of the Catholic Reformation, recognized the Jesuit order, and convened the Council of Trent (1545). Paul IV (Giovanni Caraffa; 1476–1559), reigned (1555–59), increased the powers of the Inquisition, enforced segregation of the Jews in Rome, and introduced strict censorship. His fanatical nepotism created widespread hostility. Paul V (Camillo Borghese; 1552–1621), pope (1605–21), clashed with the Venetian Republic over papal jurisdiction; a member of the Borghese family, he too was notorious for nepotism. Paul VI (Giovanni Montini; 1897–1978), pope (1963–78), continued the modernizing reforms of his predecessor, John XXIII, including vernacularization of the liturgy, relaxing of rules regarding fasting and abstinence, and reversal of some restrictions on intermarriage. He also reaffirmed the church's ban on contraception. The first pope to travel outside Italy in more than 150 years, Paul made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (1964), followed by trips to India, the United States, Africa, and Southeast Asia. He also helped to forge limited doctrinal agreements with Lutherans and Anglicans. Though criticized by both liberals and traditionalists, Paul was widely respected for his spirituality, intellect, and compassion.