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Urban VII
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Quick Facts
Original name:
Giambattista Castagna
Born:
August 4, 1521, Rome [Italy]
Died:
September 27, 1590, Rome (aged 69)
Title / Office:
pope (1590-1590)
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The 12-day pope
The 12-day pope Urban VII, detail from a monument by Ambrogio Buonvicino; in the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Rome.

Urban VII

pope
Also known as: Giambattista Castagna
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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Urban VII (born August 4, 1521, Rome [Italy]—died September 27, 1590, Rome) was the pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, from September 15 to September 27, 1590. Of noble birth, he held several key church offices, including papal ambassador to Spain (until 1572), cardinal priest (1583), and inquisitor general (1586). Known for his charity and piety, he was elected pope on September 15, 1590, but died of malaria 12 days later, before his consecration. His reign is the shortest in the church’s history.

Infographic featuring a central illustration of a pope, surrounded by labeled facts such as the total number of popes, most common papal names, oldest and youngest elected, longest and shortest reigns, number of popes made saints, official titles, and origins by country.
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by René Ostberg.
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